Stip pattern idea

[The Gutt Clan]

I had an idea for using shorter planks to build a longer boat. I was thinking that I could start at the front stem with a short WRC strip. Then insert a EWC strip then finish the strip with WRC. On the next strip 'down', make the first WRC strip a little longer. Maintain the length of the EWC then finish out with the WRC again.

The final effect would in essence be a slanting band of lighter wood from the front to the back from the gunwale to the water line (or below). The band would probably be about 2 ft in width.

I am a little worried about strength but figure that with 1-6 or 1-8 scarfs I should get a good gluing surface. I am more worried that it would look silly having a racing stripe on a canoe.

What do you think? Have you seen any other canoes with strips or patterns that progress from the gunwales down?