I agree with HK that strip canoes are very pretty. I disagree over
practicality. OTOH, I have seen several boats that in the end were
not really meant to ever be used, One was a variation on the
Stevenson projects "Weekender" that was astonishing to look at with
varnish so clear and deep it looked like a hologram. Every detail was
done right with cabinetry of such high quality that it was exquisite.
She was on display as an example of the boatmakers art and had never
seen water and probably wouldn'. Many strip canoes are like that,
once built, they are too perfect to be used. Would you really want to
be on a canoe trip with one, the obsession over not scratching it
would make you nutso.
Around here, in summer, the river banks are lined with hornet nests
every 3' and you get into one you have a choice of paddling like hell
and running yer boat over logs or jumping out into the gator infested
water or running into the weeds where the snakes drop into the boat.
A strip canoe will not stay pristine for more than an hour.
I believe a well used boat is a happy boat that inspires memories.