Re: Lapstrake vs Carvel
Almost any boat of moderate size designed for carvel planking can be built with glued-lap plywood. The possible exceptions might be those with really unusual hull shapes (a Seabright skiff, for example, might pose problems) or lots of concavity somewhere. Not impossible, but definitely more difficult. There would be lots of changes in the conversion - thinner planking, first, since plywood has equal strength in both all directions, unlike solid wood. The frames would likely change as well, since frames in a glued-lap boat just give the hull rigidity and provide a convenient place to hang seats and other bits, unlike with carvel planking where they're essential to hold the thing together. Studying lots of other designs of similar size and displacement would be a good way to start thinking about the how to convert.
Ian's right about lining off the planks; because the plank edges show, it's important that it be done right or the boat won't look good.
I really like building glued lapstrake. It's light and strong, it involves less nasty goop than any other modern building method, materials are readily available, and, best of all, it requires less sanding than any other construction method I know of.
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for nature cannot be fooled."
Richard Feynman