Installing the Gunwales

I have begun installing the gunwales on each side of the boat.  Currently, I have not downloaded all of the pictures from my camera but the attached photos will show my progress so far.  These gunwales are made of 1/2" X 3/4" strips of pine.  I bought the strips at Lowe's and used them simply to save on the time and effort involved in ripping a board on the table saw.  These pieces,  even though they are about $3-4 each, are nice and smooth and provide good flexibility in the construction of the gunwales. I used 4 strips on the inside.

Prior to their installation I cut 14 braces (7 for each side of the boat) that the gunwales will rest on (see photo 024).  These braces were installed about 13-15" apart and are attached to the inside of the boat with epoxy and on the outside I use 2 brass screws ( 1" #8 size screws).  Yesterday I did a little sanding and I think I will be very pleased with the smoothness and final look of the finished gunwales.  By the way---I plan to leave the gunwales in wood finish while the rest of the boat will be painted.