Hi Mike, "My" answers in red.

I am sorry if this has been addressed before but I could not find a consistent answer using the search or reading articles and books.

I am building a 14 foot Great Auk. I purchased the plans, not the kit. I am using 3/16" thick strips without cove and bead. I have sanded the deck to 150 grit and the hull to 100 thus far, so I am thinking I am pretty close to being ready to take the next step.

I have three quick questions:

Should I sand to 220 at this stage or stop at 150? Things look really nice on the deck and all swirls and rough spots seem to be addressed. I had read you do not want to oversand or make things too smooth for a variety of reasons. I am thinking finish the hull to 150 and a light hand sand and move to the next step.150 wood grain direction is enough!Make sure there are no deep cross grain cuts as these show up real well.

Secondly, I am planning on doing a seal coat of epoxy. I have noticed many do not. Other than weight and an added step, is there any other reason I should forego this step?This can help by providing an opportunity to remove the effects of out gassing ,by sanding out the pock marks before going on to the glass cloth wet out process, but can also be avoided by doing the wood seal or glass wet out under slowly falling temperatures.For a clearer view of your wood grain [& joinery] make sure the SMALL batches of mixed resin your applying is runny [warm].My application room temp is around 80 f

And last, what weight of cloth should I use? CLC ships 4 oz. with this kit. I am assuming they are basing this on their 1/4" cove and bead strips that come in the kit. Should I use 6 oz cloth with the 3/16" strips or stick with the 4 oz. and double it up as needed?I have come down from 6 oz to 4 oz over three boats and doubling up where I see fit.Do the doubling up in the one wet out process to keep the epoxy weight down.The wet out coat should result in the weave stuck firmly on the wood ie no layer of epoxy between the wood and the glass.To quote er, uncle Rob,"Light weight is golden."

Thanks in advance. You all have been extremely helpful answering my previous posts and I have learned a lot and have been having a great time on this first build.

Mike