: Continued: The reason for glueing the deck on while the epoxy is still active
: is to avoid the need for keying.

: Next sand deck and radius your edges

: The reason for doing it this way now becomes apparent: By masking the hull
: below the sheer you can glass the deck and join the hull all in one
: operation.

: NB by doing this you will only have to feather in the join at the hull below
: the sheer.

: This can be made easier by moving your masking tape down a half inch or so
: for every fill coat you add to the deck. It creates a rough gradient for
: the sander to follow.

: I cut my hatches and cockpit opening after all this is done. This depends on
: how you are going to create your risers and hatch lips though.

: To get a detailed look at the process a la Etienne click on the link.

: I hope this has given you some material to ponder.

: Prepare everything in advance and do dry runs. Then make haste slowly.

: All the best

: Etienne

Hi Et,

Actually the epoxy remains "active" not fully set for quite some time after it's "hard". At least a week, can be more like a month depending on the resin, hardener and temperatures.

I use partial sheer clamps, for the ends that are hard to reach from the hatches. I find it easier, though a little heavier, doing it that way. It's strong enough. Then I tape the rest of the boat.

Bill H.