This is not correct. Reading the referenced page in KayakCraft, and looking at the picture of Ted trimming the glass right at the apex of the stem, it's clear that the stems are covered with glass - a single layer, from each side. Only the very 'apex' of the stem is possibly missing glass. I'm sure if Moores had been using 4 oz glass, he wouldn't have had any problems with transparency. If you've ever seen one of Ted Moores boats 'up close' you'll realize that he had very high standards (and certainly knew how to handle bias cut strips).

Quote, from KayakCraft: page 117:

"Finishing the cloth at the stems
Assuming you have gone to the trouble (his words, not mine) of installing outer stems, wrapping glass around the stem is unnecessary. This is one of the bonuses of using outer stems: they effectively tie the sides of the hull together. Wrapping a glass patch around the end is not only difficult but frustrating, because there is no way of doing it gracefully. The double layer of glass and resin will always appear a different color and density than a single layer on the rest of the hull."

If you've ever seen one of Ted Moores boats 'up close' you'll realize that he had very high standards (and certainly knew how to handle bias cut strips).

I have seen Ted's work and it is in the "Work of Art" division.

Ted's stem treatment quoted above is solely designed for aesthetic purposes.

'don't bump into anything'....definitely in the 'Work of Art' division, IMO.

My primary reason for not considering laminated stems is to reduce weight. If I wish have the "look" of a contrasting stem edge I apply a veneer and not add weight and work.

You're suggesting a softwood stem covered with glass is not for regular use and Ted's boats and methods, which lack a total glass hull closure are. A leading edge of a hardwood stem coated with epoxy is easily equaled in durability by softwood strips covered with a layer of fiberglass. An epoxy sealed hardwood edge receiving bangs will allow water intrusion and water staining more quickly than a glassed softwood edge.

It's a moot point because few if anyone is following ALL Ted's directions, or intent. Most are going to all the work of laminating stems AND glassing over them. Anyone out there following Ted's directions to a tee? I didn't think so.

I'm not going to change anyone's mind who has gone to the trouble of building with laminated stems and then applied bias fiberglass and epoxy over the stem edge.

My intent in posting this is to inform new builders they have a choice. They can follow the leader blindly, or understand, the reasons for doing something 30 years ago. How old ideas get copied and morphed into something which no longer resembles the original intent.

30 years ago, laminated stems were designed to replace ugly glassed stems ("The double layer of glass and resin will always appear a different color and density"), to look good for museum shows.

Today we've learned how to use bias cloth to reinforce the stems invisibly. Laminated stems are optional.

I don't text while paddling, or have cup holders on my kayaks, I focus on paddling and keeping my boat under control. My hull bottoms get scratched up plenty. Never had a damaged stem, go figure!

rob