: Second point, could one cut some strips with a double bead or double
: cove(depending which way you're stripping) to make the keel and deck peak
: joints?

I don't think that would help as the last few strips meet at an angle and must be trimmed to fit on one side. That is assumeing you are not starting a lay up from there, if not then you might use that joint.

: Finally, do you use acorn nuts for the hardware (to protect your drybags) or
: does anybody have a good idea for recessed deck fittings????

There have been a lot of good ideas and examples of good deck hardware. Here are a couple I have bookmarked.

http://www.squeedunk.com/deck.htm
http://www.dbeweb.com/kayak/pages/holdowns.html
http://ross.secant.com/kayak/home.htm

and last but not least, flush mount deck fittings out of wood.
http://www.geocities.com/kentsyaks/buildpage.htm