: Today was NOT fun. The hull of my RBA was glassed a month ago and spread
: 1-1/2" beyond the deck. It took 3 roll of strapping tape and 9
: ratchet web clamps to force them back into alignment. I then glassed the
: inside seams. Since I am using the Razor Bill for racing I decided not to
: include hatches. This made wetting and smoothing the tape extremely
: difficult. I used a 3” foam roller mounted on a 10’ pole and liberal use
: of swear words to reach up into the bow and stern.

: Given the heavy duty forces I used to get these into alignment, how long
: should I wait before releasing the straps and tape? I am a little worried
: about the long term effects of building this stress into the kayak. Not to
: mention that I hope to race the boat in the Blackburn Challenge on the
: 26th. I wouldn’t want something to pop 15miles into the race.

: Regards,

: Jack

I'd wait at least 24 hrs. May be a good idea to do end pours now. I couldn't get the fiberglass tape all the way into the bow and stern and when I tried to take off the strapping tape at the bow and stern it wanted to separate. Sounds as though yours will do the same.

Kurt