Thanks for the comments on the reinforcing strips, the proposed 2nd layer from coaming rear to back of rear hatch, and the cockpit panel "ears." I doubt I'll need an extra abrasion layer on top of the rear deck, so I'll just put a single layer on the whole deck.

: I built them up on the inside of the kayak just to make it rounder so that
: the cloth will fit better. It does give some extra strength as well, but
: it adds weight. Unfortunately I put WAY too much, and probably gained a
: pound. My kayak has a rub strip on the outside of the bow and stern. The
: stern one I planed to a vee, and that made it difficult to 'glass around.
: I had to slit the 'glass to go over the vee. The bow was no problem.

Did you use glass for the rub strip or something else? I saw someone's glass-tape keel strip and it looked quite bulky and not smooth. Something tells me that's how mine would end up if I put one on. Someone here said he uses strips of bias-cut cloth (not tape), which I'm thinking might be smoother. At least it wouldn't have that raised edge.