I did not get the bow stem cut, nor did I attach the keel and stem pieces. That will add a TON of weight to the boat and make it harder to move around while building. Those will be the second to the last pieces to be attached, followed by the decking that will cover the bow and stern - making air boxes to act as emergency floatation. I am not worried about this boat floating - heck, my poop floats - but air boxes are prudent in experimental watercraft.