You can safely leave a stripped up boat over the winter. I would not apply epoxy until you can coat boat sides. Leave the strips on the forms with the staples in place.

If you have glassed the boat but don't have time to finish it, leave it on the forms and some tape to keep it tight to the forms.

> I am building a Kayak and am using the information in the Panache building
> plans as a guide. I have built a strongback as per the plans. I have
> planked the hull and am ready to fiberglass, My problem is that I do not
> have enough time to finish the boat before I go

> south for the Winter. My first question is. Should I fiberglass the hull?
> and leave it untill I return in the Spring? How will this affect the wood
> on the inside of the hull? Another Question. Can I Instead of glassing the
> hull, at this time. Can I take the Kayak off the strongback Turn it over
> and plank the deck?. How will this affect the hull? will it distort? I
> need HELP (First time builder)