I think that the rounded edge looks better but I put rub rails on most of the boats I build. The rails help a lot to protect the edge of a kayak. I am always glad that I have them on my boat. as for the cockpit rim I install a steamed piece of 1/4 X 3/8 mahogany or walnut around the outside.

Bill

> I'm at the stage on my Chesapeake 17 LT where I have to either add rub
> rails, or sand the edges to produce the "round over". Visually,
> either approach is OK with me. Any advice or opinions on which is the
> better route to go? (Has anyone done it one way, and then wished they had
> gone the other route? Do rails add significant strength?, If you
> round-over, do you end up with a lot of damage over time, etc.).

> By the way, the many tips on planing the sheers in earlier posts were very
> helpful, and I ended up with almost no gap at the deck/side junction.

> Thanks for any insights--Ed