Grant,

I have built three plywood kayaks and one strip-built (w/staples) boat. I have not had problems with air in the holes. I glass the outside first, then when I seal or glass the inside, the epoxy fills any holes that didn't fill with epoxy from the outside seal coat and glassing. I would not worry about filling them.

Mike

: I am hoping to pull deck stitches in the next couple of days. I have seen a
: few comments regarding filling the holes before glassing. Techniques range
: from toothpicks to wood filler.

: But what happens if you do not fill the stitch holes before glassing? They
: will be covered by glass and I am guessing that some of the epoxy will be
: absorbed into the holes. Correct?

: So is it really necessary to fill the holes before glassing?

: grant