: My question is how do you make the wooden base that glues under the
: deck for the rim to fit to. I know Jay Babina made a really
: beautiful one, featured in the Nicks book, but I cant get my
: head round how to fit it under the curved deck. And if you use
: layers of ply whats the best way to removing the steps between
: each layer.

: Q2, how do you cut a true circle/ or oval for that matter, in the
: curved deck.
: Theres probabily an easy answer, but I just cant think of it!!!!!!!

I use carbon fiber bases. I made some Styrofoam forms and laminated some carbon fiber recesses for the VCP hatches on the "Azure" Njord. Due to the depth I put some integral drainage channels on the sides. They then get cut into the deck and laminated in place. Pretty straightforward. I make similar recesses for the Beckson/Bomar hatches. Yes, he wanted them painted the same color as the deck...

http://clearstreamwood.com/WordPress/projects/200801-azure-njord-nh/hatches-and-compass

Hope it helps.