: I've experimented with different materials for outer stems, but
: haven't arrived at one I'm happy with so far. I've used cedar
: that was steamed and bent into shape, but it gets so noodly that
: it folds a bit. And cedar is too soft for what I'm hoping for.
: I've also steamed a hardwood, which works well enough I suppose.

: But I keep thinking there is some modern material like PVC or hdpe
: that is waiting out there, ready to use. It would need to be
: durable, a decent color, and flexible enough to take the bends
: without cracking or noodling.

: Anyone have any ideas, or material you have used that you
: recommend?

Call me old fashioned but if you have spent lots of valuable time crafting
a beautiful wooden boat, IMHO, I cant imagine why you would want
to add a piece of "plastic". Thin ash strips are easy, durable and a good
contrast with almost anything. Or cherry, or walnut, or -------

Les C.