: Hi Folks.

: In the next few weeks, I'll be at a point where I can hopefully join my deck
: and hull halves together ... and finally have the 'yak nearly complete.

: Before doing this, it seems like I should solicit advice on what to think
: about prior to joining the halves. I'm not talking about cutting hatches
: -- I fully plan on doing that, hopefully soon. I'm talking about stuff
: like: -- footpegs
: -- bulkheads
: -- cheek plates(?)
: -- ??

: Rick Brannan

You want to be certain the width and other dimensions of the deck and hull
are what they should be relative to the stations.

The deck and hull are very flexible and suseptable to expansion/ contraction
due to changes in mosture content of the wood. Most winter shops tend to be
very dry, so once one surface of wood is sealed with a layer of expoy and
fiberglass the uncoated side continues to dry-out. This will cause the deck/hull
to contract, becoming narrower than the design should be. So make certain your
deck and hull widths are correct or if not correct at least the same, before joining.
You will adjust and determine the final widths of the deck and hull during the
application of the interior glassing. Once the interior glass has set the dimensions
of the deck/hull will be set.

I add wood blocks to the bow and stern tips of the hull where I will drill for
toggel handles.

Otherwise, I do all my hatch cut-out cockpit trimming, bulkhead installation,
and foot peg installation AFTER I join the deck and hull.

Doing it beforehand will make it all just get in the way and make joining the
deck and hull more difficult.

All the best,

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