Finally got up the nerve to tape hull to deck this morning with reinforced packing tape. I expected a wrestling match because the hull was about 1/2" narrower at the center. First I tried pointing some 1x1 sticks for spreader bars but they wanted to ride up the side in places and didn't feel secure. So I pre-drilled the end for a clipped off finish nail and they worked great. I could easily control the amount of spread with just one arm in the hatch or cockpit. The taping process took about 2 hours (first time) and I couldn't be happier with the seam alignment.
I'll post a pic of the taped up Spring Run too.

Question: I have some 2" and some 3" fiberglass tape. Am thinking the 2" would be easier to use for the interior seams. Is that wide enough? Am planning to use bias cut cloth for the outside.

Ian