finished gunwale

[omgh]

I'm about to install the outwale and realize that the top edge of the hull as well as the edge of the fiberglass sheathings will be visible, sandwiched between the inwale and outwale. Has anyone ever felt the need to cover this top edge for aesthetic reasons, or is it part of the look we're after? It just seems a little unfinished, especially around the scupper areas.
The Canoecraft book doesn't address this concern.
Thanks.
Michael

[Glen Smith]

Here is how I handled that on my last canoe. After doing all the stripping I cut the sheerline. Then I glued a narrow strip (3/8") along the sheerline which defined a new sheerline and covered all the end grain of the strips. I used the same species, cherry in this case, as the gunwales.
Here are some reference pics.

[omgh]

Wow - beautiful.
Michael

[Chipper1959]

OMG !! That deck is gorgeous !

[Glen Smith]

When I bought that Walnut I wasn't even looking for it. I walked past it and turned back because I was sure I had seen some nice figure in the rough board. When I put it through my planer I was pleasantly surprised by the beauty of it. I still have some left and you can be sure it will only be used on projects that will show off the figure.

[BearLeeAlive]

That is a beautiful piece of wood, Glen. Looks sharp.

Wasn't it you that linked to a carewwood on eBay who sells figured maple? I bought a couple boards from them, and intend to use it for the decks, thwarts and seats. A lovely tiger pattern.

[Glen Smith]

Yes, I am the culprit who posted that link. Nice lumber, eh?

[BearLeeAlive]

It certainly is nice, thanks for the heads up.

I did look at some quilted and tiger stuff from another seller. The wood he sells if wildly figured, just beautiful, but the prices are absurd. He lists 4-5 boards at a time, and always open to bid. The prices often hit well over $100 per board, though many are 6/4. It would be stuff you would resaw thin and use as a veneer. HERE is a link to his page, just check the prices once it gets near closing.

[Glen Smith]

Yes, I have seen his lumber but it always ends up way too expensive for my tastes. Some of it has such a 3D effect that it looks like popcorn.

[BearLeeAlive]

If the popcorn effect makes a boat lighter, it just might be worth the cost then.

[Chipper1959]

I just bought some figured maple veneer to make my decks with. I was a bit hesitant, thinking that I might get severely chastised by the purists for using something other than solid wood but finally decided to go for it........should I reconsider ? Or should I simply lie and tell everyone that it's solid figured maple ?