some thoughts to throw out at a knowledgeable community:

1. staple holes -- i would think that the penetration of epoxe into the holes would add little strength to the adhesion of the fiberglass layup (albeit minimal). does anyone else think that they actually enhance the "look" of the kayak, or should i receive counseling?

2. cold molding -- anyone thought about (or tried) doing a cold molding layup of a kayak using thin (1/16" or less) veniers? sure, quite labor intensive but possibly a very strong boat.

3. sheer -- what about using thin (say 1/8") thick strips (assumming that the remaining strips are 1/4" thick) for several strips on both sides of the sheer joint? this may allow a bed for the glass tape when joining the hull and deck -- rather like the taping of sheet-rock where the edges meet.

just some thoughts for the many minds out there.
john