Hi, I was a member here about 15 years ago, but haven't postted since. I never got my kayak built, either. I nw have a project involving an old 16' fibreglass Y-stern canoe. I am replacing all the wooden parts (gunwales, inwales, seats foredeck and transom. My problem is with bending the gunwales and inwales. I plan to make then about ½" by 1¼". It seems to me that because people bend ½" thick bows without steaming them and without cracking, I should be able to bend ½" thich ash around the broad curve of a canoe without having to build a steamer, etc., etc. On my last attempt I was making the parts 3/4" thick, but they didn't like being bent.

Dose your own experience with bending wood support this idea? I supposse I could laminate ¼" thick strips, too.

All suggestions appreciated.