This weekend, I mated the hull and deck of the Redfish Spring Run I am building. I used strapping tape to pull the deck and hull seam into alignment but the deck was about 1/8" wider for about 1 foot near the bow. I tried everything but there was just no way to get a perfect fit. So, I installed the inside seam tape anyway with the understanding that I would have to do some work on the outside to get a smooth seam. Bummer!

After looking at the boat this morning, I discovered that there are quite a few more places along both outside seams that appear to be mismatched 1/16 or so. Could the deck and hull have shifted slightly during the application of the inside seam tape? I put lots of tape in place and certainly did not think anything could move but seems to have happened anyway. It looks like I will have to work these edges smooth before applying the outside seam tape.

Since I'm a rookie strip builder, I need some advice on how to make the best of this not so perfect edge. I have a "shinto wrasp" that would seem to be a good tool to work this edge smooth and then sand before applying the outside seam tape. How would you seasoned builders deal with this issue?

I suspect I'm not the first to ever have this issue but am a bit embarrased just the same.

I sure would appreciate advice on the best way to deal with my goof. Hopefully, I can this boat seaworthy anyway....

Bob Beaullieu