You can probably omit it safely. I put it in and would do it again, however, I used 6 oz. and next time, I would probably only use 2 or 4 oz. Also, I completely filled the weave inside the cockpit. There was no reason for this--(I now know)--just wet out the glass and leave it like that

Shawn

> Hi,

> I'm still working on my Ches. 17'. The instructions call for a sheet of
> glass to be installed in the bottom of the cockpit. Is this a neccessity?
> Can I omit this step without compromising the strength of the hull?

> Thanks in advance,

> Paul.