Jack,

+! for wrapping the edges in glass/epoxy.
I had a plywood kit boat that I just epoxied. Very depressing to find the epoxy is gone over most of the recess and the hatch due to weathering and wear. It takes quite a lot to properly fair the glass wrap when you are doing a repair, much easier when you first build the boat.

Don't obsess too much for your first boat, get it in the water. As soon as you start using it lots of things will bother you that seemed perfectly fine - if you are like me. Possibly you are a much better craftsman. Still the second boat will still be head and shoulders better.