I have installed bulkheads before and after deck installation.

I much prefer installing them before the deck goes on. When I do this I plane the top of the bulkhead so that it is not quite touching the deck as it goes on so that it does not distort the deck shape in any way. The fillet fills the gap later.

The deck fillets, which are the more awkward ones still have to be done through the hatches etc. no getting around that.

It is really not necessary to tape the bulkheads in place. The fillets alone are more than enough for strength.

In the past I didn't fillet under the deck of the the rear of the front bulkhead as it is impossible to achieve a neat job through a relatively small cockpit.

IN YOUR CASE HOWEVER, since the Great Auk is not really suitable for a sheer clamp and will need to be taped inside, you are probably better off installing the bulkheads after the deck has been joined.

Even so, there is nothing stopping you cutting the bulkheads to the correct size before fitting the deck and then fitting them later. Easier to see what you are doing that way.

Finally, I have taken to installing screw hatches in the front bulkhead of any new boats. When accessed through the fore deck hatch they are very useful for: adjusting footrests for visitors without having them exit the boat every time, for tightening screws and maintenence, and for adjusting the darned things without having to do the mole act for everyone on the beach, and at a pinch, aiding filleting behind the front bulkhead.

I have been using foam footrests too recently instead of foot pegs, and the screw hatch is handy for pushing the pads out.

I use a relatively small cockpit, so access is not always easy.

Et