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Don, I thought that you came on a bit aggressive for a polite conversation between friends. I accept and appreciate your apology.

A damn shallow catenary Graham . . . likely much like the grin brought to Dons' face when he realized . . .

I try to stress that abrasion is your #1 enemy. If you're paddling where you are constantly as opposed to occasionally scrubbing the bottom or bumping into rocks and stumps you better put on rub strips or you will have a hole in the fabric shortly. These are sea kayaks and not white water boats. Moving water shoving you over and into rocks is a disaster in the making. The two times I went down a flowing shallow river I had to reskin both boat because of abrasion damage. I recommend rub strips on every boat because repeatedly beaching the bow can abrade a hole in the skin. Run into things while paddling I have never damaged the boat other than scuffing the paint. I have run over countless downed trees, rocks, etc. But they are not hitting the same spot over an over as happens in flowing river where you bow and chines are constantly being shoved into and pushed down rocks. I have used plastic strips as bur strips and while they didn't last they worked well. If you install a square strip, full length you are creating a keel and your going to increase the tracking, possible so much so it will not want to turn. It really need to be a quarter round shape. I never put anything except on the bow and something the stern but that is for looks. If you really need a full length rub strip you probably shouldn't be paddling a SOF there. PS. I am looking for a new supplier for brass stock. Think I may have found one.

Got the interior final painting done over the weekend, we are going to do the non-skid next day or so and start installing the hatches and hardware.