You know, if you were to laminate the upper frame, I steam bent mine, you could almost as easily just laminate the entire frame, would be just as strong and then you'd have no plywood frame to cause fit problems in the cockpit.

Bill H.

Yes, the lamination piece could be broad enough to replace the strength given by the standard frame, and not protrude. I can only see an advantage to laminating the deck section because that has a curve, the gunwale to chine and chine to keel could be straight ply epoxied between, so it is fair with the inner edges of the stringers. Less bending work!

I have ideas to make this mod. work for other areas as well, such as providing space behind the cockpit for gear by making that bulkhead flush to the stringers as well.

Weight is a consideration to. As is 'purity'. Toms concept is so simple it conceals it's brilliance. These adjustments need care so the finished boat has the clarity and sweetness it was designed with.

Regards, James