: Has anyone used duct tape rather than wire to hold panels together for
: filleting? I am working on a CLC kit and wondering if it is worth it to
: avoid the holes. It is an Arctic Hawk. First build and it's going rather
: slow since I don't have much of an idea what I am doing. The manual is 400
: pages but it is still my first effort.

: The design calls for a strip of wood to be added to the bottom of the cockpit
: area, lots of thickened epoxy, seems almost like and end pour on the
: bottom. Would it be just as strong or stronger if it were glassed on both
: sides, forming a triangular brace. Just wondering

If you are going to finish your kayak "bright" then, IMO, it is definitely worth your while to go stitchless. Tape works just fine, though it sometimes takes a goodly bit to hold some very twisted panels together. A temporary form or two will make it easier. In addition to my example (I used clear packing tape), you might check out the CLC website: the very first pic in their AH construction gallery show a AH being held together with duct tape.
I'd take the tape off ASAP, so it doesn't pull up any bits of wood . . . .

Can't help you with your second question, except to say that other S&G designs don't seem to need a hunk of wood there. They all use just thickened epoxy and glass. There's probably a reason behind it, though, and it sure seems like the wood there will be lighter than the same size epoxy fillet.

Good luck!
Dave