: There isn't a single, simple answer to how much the hull might
: distort or even how hard it will be to force it back into shape
: to match the deck.

: If there has been a big change in the humidity and consequently a
: change in the moisture content of the strips since you glassed
: the outside there could be a big change in the shape.

: If you are one of those builders who want a bullet proof kayak and
: have used two layers of 6oz glass on the outside, it will be
: hard to force it back into shape.

: If you have only recently glassed the outside and the temperature
: and humidity have changed little, it usually won't distort much.
: if you have used 3/16" strips and one layer of 4oz glass,
: it can be moved quite a bit to get it back into shape. Sitting
: it out in the sun all day seems to help if it needs to be coaxed
: in or out a lot.

: However anything you can do to help it keep its original shape is a
: good idea. Spacer sticks are good. Putting it back in the forms
: also works well.

Temperature and humidity really have little to do with it. The glass on the inside of the kayak (outside too for that matter) shrinks as it cures, on the inside that will cause the hull to close up in width, can make it a real trick to mate it with the deck. Spreader sticks help much. Don't have to worry about this for the initial cure btw, the shrinking happens as the cure progresses after the initial cure. Curing takes something like a month to reach a full cure. Putting in the spreader sticks a day or two after the glass has been done will ensure that the hull stays in the shape it was designed.

Bill H.