: 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.

You can go either way but I think the saturation coat first is good practice for squeeging.without the worry of shifting glass.IMO the cloth is easier to wet out after the surface has the saturation coat.

: 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.

You can use Ply or strip panels for thigh braces. a layer of glass on each side helps to strenghen them. Size seems to vary ,about 4-5" by 5-6"
Glue them under the combing where your hip bones will be.Re-inforce with fillets
Nick's Book describes the placement well. hope this helps Terry