Stem bands. The stems are like the bumpers on a canoe. I like to finish a canoe with brass bands on the leading edges of the stems. The functionality is questionable but they sure have a nautical look. A mill file to shape the ends, sand paper and steel wool to polish them and they're ready to go on the boat. They'll just be screwed on, not glued so they can be taken off the boat to re-polish them when the brass loses its shine.
Michael Thomsen of Tecumseh, Michigan built his first canoe because he wanted a small, easily handled boat to fish from. It turned out so nice he knew he had to build more. “Canoe Mike” has now retired from his day job as an electrician and devotes all his time to building boats and paddles. He makes wooden canoes using the wood strip and fiberglass method. He buys the caned seats and brass hardware for the boats, but hand makes all the other components of the boat. He also makes wooden canoe and kayak paddles.
