The bow stem was created by laminating two 5' lengths of tight-grained clear Doug Fir that I got from a 10' 2x6. I added 6 inches to its length to give a more upswept bow. (This design change was inspired by Kevin Beddoe.) As I am 6'6" tall, I don't anticipate any problems seeing over the bow.

 

In this photo, the stringers are on their frames, and the bottom is ready to be lowered (and raised) until the fit was suitable for the final bonding. If you are building this boat single-handed, this pulley system is the way to go.