: BTW, does this method make for a more flexible deck and therefore an easier fit of the two halves?

: Les C.

This is indeed the case, but the main reason I do it this way is I find it quicker and easier to get a nice looking deck. No feathering of tape on the deck.

It is really only viable on boats with hard sheers using a sheer clamp. Taped inner sheers need hatches to be cut before deck fitting. I tend to prefer boats with hard sheers anyway.

The down side is that one needs to cut the hatches after the deck is on, which I don't mind, and marokse style deck fittings might be a problem.

To reduce the need for sanding I get bulkheads etc fitted before glassing inside the deck and glue the deck on immediately after the final fill coat for a chemical bond.

I have done it this way from day one thirty years ago. It doesn't seem to be an approach that is used much, and I can't really understand why.

Et