: Well it's time to put on the deck. My 18' self-design, which makes use of
: sheer clamps, has several bulkheads/deck beams made out of 1/2"
: plywood. My question is, what sort of adhesive, if any, should I use in
: the deck-deck beam joints? I figure I have three choices: 1)dookie schmutz
: 2)3M 5200 3)no adhesive. While I have read that a certain amount of give
: may be desirable in these joints, I would also like these joints to be
: leak-proof. What do the kit-makers prescribe for these joints?

The deck is a fairly flexible member while the beam is quite stiff. When a heavy load is applied to the deck above the beam almost all of the load will be supported by the stiff member, the beam. At least half of that load will be supported by the beam to shear clamp connection, which has a quite small glue area. The beam at the cockpit cutout will most likely see heavy loads from the paddler entering and exiting and adjusting his weight while paddling. CLC suggests a long wood screw through the shear clamp into the beam and thickened epoxy at each end of the beam . A real good idea.