: Hi Matt.

: Well I've almost build one whole hull.... My understanding is the temporary
: forms will help ensure the deck and the hull are the same width and thus
: will mate better, as well as ensuring the hull will have the correct
: designed shape.
: I sure most plans will come with bulkhead that may be used for temporary
: forms, if not more temporary forms.

: As for the CLC kayaks, being just as easy to assemble, I suspect it would
: depend which model you chose. You should consider getting the book
: "The New Kayak Shop", it features 3 (or 4?) CLC boat designs,
: along with lots of good info on building using the stitch and glue method.

: good luck

: Myrl

Just finishing my first boat, the Pygmy Coho. I discovered it is wise to follow the directions about reattaching the deck to the hull with tape after you reinforce the underside with fiberglass and epoxy. Do it before the epoxy cures. I didn't and the deck and hull ended up as much as one inch apart overall at the beam. Of course they both have a fair bit of flex at that point. I braced the hull temporarily approx every 12 inches to bring the two together at the specified 23", applied tape and a couple of stitches on each side,then glued the shear seam. From there, the rest of it was real smooth.

Every thing else about the build was easy. The temporary forms worked well although they do not need near as much hot melt glue as the directions say. Paddled it for the first time Mar 31. Wow! - Gene