Well I turned my kayak over to smooth the bottom. I know now why Nick says to start on the bottom first. I could not believe how much my stripping technique had improved between the bottom and the deck. After threatening to throw the hull away and start over, I began planeing. After two hours, I decided to keep it. It smoothed out quite well and with slight sanding will probably look even better.

My question, after the above rambling, is do I put a first coat of clear epoxy on the bottom, allowing this to further smooth the other slight imperfections before the glass, or go straight to glass.

Second question: How are the thigh braces constructed? Is this a continuation of the recessed cockpit with the cockpit rim standing on top? Or do I double up under the recess cockpit section after the cockpit rim is completed.