The 3/8" wide brass stem band has a hollow back (cove back) for either gluing on with a bedding compound or to conform better to rounded ends of a canoe. It is also the standard on a cedar/fiberglass canoe. Sold in lengths of 4 ft. so if you want 8 ft. just order two or 3 for full length of 12 ft. All stem bands will be shipped coiled. Also if you order 2 - 4 footers, it will be one piece of 8 ft. coiled.