: So the question is since the kit comes with a stacked plywood
: coaming should I stick with that method or try something else.

: I was thinking of doing some exotic veneer on the top of the
: coaming.

This is what I did on a s&g westriver 180. Just added strips to the larger ply ring to reenforce and beautify it.

Doing another s&g I would do the same with the cockpit and add strip hatches to balance the feature in other spots on the boat. (ie: not strip on top of ply for the hatches, Just strip glass sandwich. Also easier to get the hatches to conform to the hull shape using strips).

Etienne