Odd where I part on this. When I see a beautiful strip built canoe on top of a vehicle I never imagine it in the water. I see the extra time and detail going into strip kayaks and am in aw at the beauty but I see it as more a piece of furniture than a useful tool in the water. That could be because I am afraid to go there but really I am not. My back ground is in carpentry and the more ornate and unusual the better. I want to think other's are marveling at my handy work and wondering how i did that.

For some reason i just want down and dirty on a kayak. Strip it or S&G it and go. The easier it is to repair and quicker i can get it done the better. If I took the time and actually arted, i might be afraid to run'er up on an oyster bed.

...and black shows oyster scratches while an off white always looks good, just boring