Elk, not to worry. First, the wood is really there to provide a pleasing-to-the-eye form for the inner and outer fiberglass kayaks you're actually building to bind to. The wood provides some strength but again it's primary function is to provide the shape. Another point, and Nick put it quite well in his book, the kayak cross-section is somewhat similiar to a I-beam...the wood is the web. Read what Spidey has to say. Our last yak, after we glassed the outer surface of the hull, we're deliberately sanding the wood down to 3/16 and 2/16 inch thick, filling with micro-ballons where we needed to fill gaps,focusing on providing a fair surface before we glass the inner hull. So, in doubt, add a second layer of a glass...Hope this helps to reassure you all is as it should be.

: As I have begun to cut out the cockpit, Iv'e noticed that some areas are only
: about an 1/8 of an inch thick. Should these areas be replaced or
: reinforced with glass? I got carried away with my sanding "Shame on
: me" Thanks for the help