Deck Selection and Finishing Gunnels at Stems

[Davesbuild]

Hello All,

Looking for some ideas as to how to best finish the outer gunnels at the stem. I have updated my pics on my webpage. The gunnels are just shy of the end of the outer stem. I had two possible thought as to how to finish.

1. Cut the outer gunnels square on both sides and fabricate a one-piece cherry "cap" to wrap around the end of the stem and but against the end of the gunnels.??

2. Taper the end of the gunnels short of the stem. (taper and smooth transition to the hull??

Any other ideas would be appreciated...

I have two decks made (not installed), but sitting in-place. The one deck has a wide lip that sits overtop of the outer gunnel. The other design fits between the inside of the hull.

Both are shown on my webpage. The pics at the bottom are the most recent.

http://home.cogeco.ca/~hotrods/Canoebuild/

A bit of help and input would be great.

Thanks,
Davesbuild

[Glen Smith]

My personal preference is for tapered outwales as in Canoe Craft and also inset decks ( between the inwales ).

[ealger]

Outwale tapers to 3/8"
Inwale tapers to 1/16"
Deck inset.
Ed...[/img]

[Patricks Dad]

Taper inwales, taper outwales extending beyond outer stem, inset deck.... another example...

[Davesbuild]

Thanks Guys.

Nice work. Very fancy!

I think that I like eagler's approach with the light strip down the centre. That would suit the overall look of mine I think. The rest of my canoe is rather "plain" - nothing too fancy - just the natural wood... I like to keep it simple, but the strip in the middle of the deck is a nice touch and adds some contrast.

Thanks again for the input and pics.
Davesbuild

Hope to paddle mine real soon!

[Davesbuild]

Sorry - ealger

[pawistik]

I've always thought this looked pretty slick for the ends of the gunwales. Described on the Green Valley Boat Works web site: http://www.greenval.com/FAQgunwales.html#Special

Cheers,
Bryan