: The Black Pearl plans call for an inner stem (approx 12mm x 50mm x
: 1m). As stated on the plans, they do not provide much strength
: to the stem but rather help hold the shape during construction.
: I am wondering if it would be a good idea to remove them once
: the stems are finished and run a thickened epoxy fillet in their
: stead? A little neater and perhaps a little lighter.

For the first three BP's I built I used white cedar for the stems and left them in. They don't weigh THAT much. On the last one I built this winter I tried something different. I used a carving gouge and shaved the inner stems flush with the sides. It didn't take long and ended up making a nice, light wooden fillet for the glass.