> Hey all,

> I've got my CLC stitched together and am planning to tape the
> seams this weekend but I am a little nervous to make everything permanent.
> I have an oil can low spot (reference: hull upside down) right under
> the cockpit. I know I need to work it out before I tape but I am not
> sure of the best method. The instructions say to relax some stitches
> and insert some shims (low) or remove some stitches and plane(high).
> I tried wedging some match sticks in the low spot last night and that
> seemed to correct the line of the keel but it made a nice gap. Now
> should I just put some more matches and tape over the gap and be happy
> or should I take things apart and plane on both sides of the low spot.
> It does not have to be perfect but yet I want it to be a good as I
> can get it.

> I would be happy to hear what you all have to say, but if you
> post after today(Friday) it will probably be too late because I have
> to get it taped this weekend.

> Thanks in advance, CHad

>

Chad,

Here's what I did to recover from a similar dilemma: 1) Loosen or remove the stitches in the affected area. 2) Pry apart the panels as necessary to achieve a fair seam. 3) Make a sliver of wood to fill the gap and glue it in. The sliver doesn't need to be perfectly flush on the inside, since you're going to fillet the seam. Plane the outside flush, and you'll forget it's even there.

Step 3 is optional; it just looks better than a see-through epoxy fill. There's no need to take the panels apart. Don't plane the panels, as that would make things worse. Check the straightness of the keel side to side before you glue the seams. Remember: craftsmanship is good, but graceful recovery is the key.

Rick Rubio