Well, that would make it much easier wouldn't it!
I guess I just assumed (first boat for me, never been in a kayak, learning as I go) that the lip should be thick, the thicker/stronger the better.. My mom always told me never to assume anything :/ So without even thinking about it much, 3/4" just seemed logical (had some nice 1X oak laying around).

Never even dawned on me that I could go as narrow as 1/4" in that direction.. Thanks for opening my eyes, apparently I needed it!
So yes, I'll give it a shot with 1/8"x1/4" strips and save the fabric softener for the laundry (it sure does seem to soften wood pretty well though).

Thanks again everyone..
Sincerely,
The village idiot

: Hi Andrew.

: I don't understand your 3/4" dimension. Your 1/8"
: thickness is fine, stack as many
: horizontaly as you need to give the desired lip width. Around
: 3/4" seems to work well
: for many people.

: I would suggest that the lip thickness doesn't need to be any
: greater that 1/4" and the
: top can be tapered down to about 1/8" towards the outer edge
: after it is all set.

: I think I am suggesting six strips 1/8" x 1/4" to do the
: job. They should bend just fine.
: I have not tried an oak coaming. Ash is much easier if you want a
: light coloured wood.

: I'm not sure about alternating colours. To my eye it then looks
: like you have used a piece
: ply!

: Regards Les C.