> 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

I glassed the entire underside of the front and rear deck and added a rear deckbeam. I probably overbuilt it because I was unsure of the 1/8 inch luan that I used. The deck pieces were pre-bent into shape and held with ropes and clamps before I glassed. This also made installation of the deck easier. I was able to install the deck by myself without much wrestling.