I used a differnet system altogether. Since CLC suggests using 4mm ply as the braces I couldn't figure out how I'd keep them from flipping sideways under clamp pressure. Solution - I cut notches out of a long 1x3 that would hold the braces vertical and square. Then I applied pressure down on the notched board (twisting it tight with rope) while the outer edges of the hatch cover was supported. The result curves the hatch cover to match the braces and your free to past a thick bead of thickened epoxy along the seam. My only problem was getting a slight twist in the hatch making it less than 100% waterproof. I'll be redoing them as recessed hatches this fall.

Mark

> Thanks again Paul. I used that block and screw idea to attach the deck. It
> works great.

> The latest news is that both hatch braces that I was having trouble with
> fell off. They had perfect imprints of the hatch's wood grain but did not
> bond. I'm using MAS slow cure so blush is probably not the culprit. I
> suspect it was the lack of sanding even though the surface is anything but
> smooth. The third brace is well attached (I hit it with a hammer side ways
> trying to jar it loose) so I'm going to leave it alone. I'll sand the
> attach areas with 80 grit and try again. I think I'll use the wife's idea
> to precurve the hatch with strap clamps and then lightly - DUCT TAPE - the
> braces in place. I may have starved the joint last time by clamping them
> too tight. I'm just not going to take any chances.

> John