: Can you push it closed by hand? Right now it looks like you have the forms in
: place, but if you can close the gap by hand when the forms are removed,
: you should be able to force it together after it is glassed. Try to keep
: it tight while the glass is curing by taping it together after the epoxy
: has set up.

: If you can not force it together by hand, you will either need to add or
: subtract wood until you are satisfied with the tightness.

Thanks for the thought of taping the haul and deck together while it is curing. That would of never ocurred to me. I did buy the ratchet straps yesterday but I can't use them until I have more of the other side half of the deck stripped so I don't pull in the side from the strap pressure. I do have some old barbells that I will set over the gap when I am not working on the boat and see if that helps bring it back into place. You have a great site Nick.

John