: I am ready to glass the outside hull on my Great Auk 14. I have
: built 3 s&g boats but this is my first stripper. On my
: s&g boats I used 2" fiberglass tape on the keel. In his
: book Nick says to put a football shaped section of fiberglass on
: the hull over the first layer of fiberglass. Which is
: preferable, or is it an either/or scenario? The GA 14 has a more
: rounded shape than the 3 s&g boats so is that a
: consideration?

: Charles Robinson

Very different materials plywood and wood strips. The plywood is a stable material to start with, the strips require the fiberglass layer to achieve the required strength. Not sure that Nick "recommends" a football, more that it can be added if needed. Depends much on what materials are being used, weight of the glass and the expected use of the boat if it'll be needed or not. Makes a considerable difference if the boat is to only be used on flat water vs. being used in surf or rocky streams and if the glass is 3 ounce or if it's 6 ounce.

Bill H.