Lee (and everyone else):

Thanks for all the advice. I realize it's hard to describe these things verbally. Pictures are much more vivid. Nevertheless, I think I've got a little more confidence that I understand the process, even if there are no fool-proof tricks to this step.

I've heard you (Lee) suggest several times to glass the underside of the aft deck since it often takes the stress of someone sitting on it to enter the cockpit. But will the deck be flexible enough for installation if it's glassed first? I guess that part of the deck doesn't bend much, and it sure would be easier to glass it before it's installed. I was also thinking of adding a small deck beam at that point (either just ahead of or just behind the aft bulkhead. Is one better than the other (glass vs beam)? Should I do both? Any thoughts?

Thanks again to everyone for all the great advice. Despite the occasional anxiety, I'm having a great time building this boat and I'm sure it won't be the last one I build.

Peter