: I am just finishing the cockpit recess on my Guillemot and beginning to think
: of glassing. (Hooray!)

: Should I build up the coaming before glassing? I can see it will be stronger
: that way, but won't it be awfully hard to get the glass to lie nicely with
: all that shape? Alternatively, if I glass the deck before installing the
: coaming how can I ensure adequate strength for my heavy friends who just
: want to try it out?

: BTW: I might be well on the way to setting a record for building a kayak
: slowest.

This was discussed numerous times in the recent past by myself as well as many others. i asked the same question. I glassed the deck then build up the coaming. then glassed coaming to inside and outside of deck. then added coaming laminated rim. then glassed over this.

I used 2 layers 4 oz on the outside and 2 layers on the inside plus another layer on the inside once the lip is installed. also reinforced the front and back with an extra layer. seemed to work fine. you can definitely pick it up by the rim with no problems.

I havent gotten any paddle time in it yet but I plan too - by the way I'm close to 200 lbs so I may qualify as one of your "heavier" friends.

check archives for further discussion.

pete czerpak albany, NY

good luck with your completion on the yak!