:Since I can't get tape up there, I want
: something that will make a very good bond between the deck and hull at the
: end. The end pour assures that there is wet epoxy making good contact to
: both pieces. I feel that it is hard to assure this good, solid glue
: contact with a wooden block or dammed end fill.

I didn’t realize this was part of your reasoning for the end pour.

I don’t bother trying to reach to seam the stem tips anymore on my boats. I just apply thickened resin on the deck/hull joint for the first 18” and tape in place and do the same at the other end. As long as all wood is coated you’re golden. I can reach in after my deck is taped in place with a fillet tool on the end of a stick and smooth the resin. The outside stem seams will be glassed anyway. No real reason to glass seam the deck/hull joint on the stems interior.

: I also don't like the idea of a solid block of wood in the ends. Large chunks
: of wood are not dimensionally stable even with perfect encapsulation in
: epoxy (which is hard to assure). If the block tends to expand and contract
: over the years (it will) it may crack the epoxy encapsulation. If the
: epoxy cracks, you can be sure water will penetrate into the block of wood
: and start rotting it.

Large blocks of wood. I’d hardly call a 3 inch long 2” high WEDGE of wood large, but okay, I’ll go along. Yah! Next time I’ll drill my hole BEFORE I put the deck on and I can make the block a 1” wedge.

:You also don't need to worry about sealing the
: inside of the hole if you drill through the pour for a grab loop.

You don’t drill through strips? You don’t need to seal the strip edges exposed? Com’on Nicky, we’re fibbin now.

: I debate the idea that the end pours are heavier than wooden blocks. I load
: up the epoxy with enough micro-balloons, that the density is very low. If
: you need to use much thickened epoxy to fill any gaps around a wooden
: block you lose most of your gains even assuming you use very low density

My next set of wood blocks (teeny tiny ones) will definitely be lighter than an end pour, no question.

: There are certainly other methods that are just fine, but I don't find the
: end pour difficult or heavy enough to justify changing my ways now.

Well that’s fine. I’m just giving these guys another reasonable option.

All the best,
Rob