I am a 71 y/o flyfisherman from the SF Bay area.  I built one of Greg's kits (great guy) a number of years ago.  I used the meranti  ply. Encapsulated it as he instructed with two coats of epoxy and 6 coats of varnish.  I wasn't happy with the original foredeck (lines kept slipping down thru the open corners, so I built a deck which completely covers the bow.  I also laminated an arched white oak thwart to support aft knee braces.  The "furniture" and floorboards are spruce, making a nice…