: Greetings,
: I set my glassed Georgian Bay out on the lawn today and then set the glassed
: deck on so I could take some cockpit orientation measurements. Too my
: surprise the deck is a full inch short. I built solid stem and stern and
: the deck doesn't reach to either. The deck is also wider than the hull by
: a half inch at the cockpit. I recall Spidey cautioning us to tape the two
: halves together at every opportunity during construction but that is
: seldom possible. Since separating them every day I've been glassing an
: inner or outter on either of them and taping is impossible during those
: operations.

: I think I can use a Spanish windlass to pull the deck into the hull and then
: I can tape the outside seam first. And or, I can build an external frame
: to exert pressure on the deck from the sheer on each side. There is enough
: give to get it together; I think! I have no idea how I can stretch the
: deck to meet the stem and stern post. I have multicolored alternating
: strips that run full length so any filler that I install at either end
: will look lousy. Any suggestions out there?

: Thanks,

: Stan

The method of joining the deck and hull in your instruction book (2" clear packing tape) has more than enough power to bring your deck and hull together. You're talking 1/2" total wider or 1/2" on each side? No matter, the clear packing tape is designed to load power by stretching it, it will pull the deck and hull together as you tape from one ned to the other. Follow your instructions.

As to the ends, you can apply decorative wood veneers (as shown in your instruction book) to cover the filled gaps. Apply the veneers and then glass over them.

Rob Macks
Laughing Loon CC&K
www.LaughingLoon.com