> I am currently building a Chasapeake 17 and I plan on glassing the hull.
> Is it necessary to tape the joints before I glass. Would it add much
> strength if I did? Thanks.

Chris,

I added tape to the keel after I glassing. Feathering the tape's edge is best done with something sharp (heavy stuff) and 80-120 grit sand paper. I used a spoke shave (because I own one) but a block plane or scraper will work too. Just be carefull of the glass next to the tape. The sander wants to go through it quickly.

Happy Boatbuilding,

John, Chesapeake 18

P.S. Has anyone heard of non-selvage (sp) edge tape? It has loose ends (not stitched) and I think would be a lot easier to fair. I can't find any locally.