: I am in the process of filling in some low spots on my S&G before moving on
: to the next stage of cutting out the hatches. I thought about leaving the
: final fills until the hull and deck are joined then it occurred to me this
: could be awkward after the hatches are cut out.

: So are you addressing the final fills after the hatches are cut? If so how do
: you manage sanding over the hatches? I have this image of hatches flying
: across the room during sanding.

An interesting question. It required some thought. Generally I don't cut hatches until after I have enough fiberglass on the deck to hold it at the curve I want. If it needed to be faired I would probably fair it before cutting the hatches. I don't usually have to fair very much...if any. This may not be because I do such good work, but maybe because my tolerance for a less than perfect boat is greater than yours. The most important thing I would say is to not think there is only one right way to do things. On the contrary, there are many good methods to follow...and just as many bad ways. The key is to try to use the best method you know for the job at hand. I learn something new on this board...and elsewhere...everyday. And...I have a lot of experience and knowledge...not because I'm so smart...but because I've been around for awhile. I believe there are several persons who post here that were born in the first half of the last century. Damn...sounds old..but it's not....trick photography...or some such..