: First time poster, long time lurker - I've always appreciated the wide
: ranging free exchange of information here. I'm a rookie S&G builder, never
: built anything in my life before, and extremely tool challenged, and it's
: primarily the fact this site, and others, exist that gave me the courage,
: if you will, to try this.

thanks to all for the information and especially the support - I wouldn't be even this far, if at all, if it weren't for the willingness of you all and others to support a site like this. And as to my problem, the more I thought about it, I realized 3/8 inch overhang, prior to taping/stitching, might not be out of the ordinary. When it comes time to retape/restitch (perhaps this week), I'll try and attach it in such a way that the stress of the overlap/misfit is shared by the hull and the deck. Thanks again. Hopefully, I'll be experienced enough some day to share information and advice and also be a supporter, not simply a user of the site.