I am almost done on my AT 14 and I would also cut the hatches before taping the seams on the inside.

I can't say enough about the quality of the kit and the instructions. I think Pygmy instructions are intended for producing a boat in a reasonable time by the least experienced. That is great and their instructions are really really good. However, don't be afraid to do things differently or to take more steps to get a better (however you define it) boat. I made a lot of changes once I got the hang of it and understood what was going on.

One thing they don't tell you is to round the edges of the strips. See Chesapeake Light Craft Shop Tips. It makes life a whole lot easier.

Buy a long nose 4" visegrip for twisting the wires.

In spite of what the directions say, you will go through a lot of gloves and brushes. Go to Home Depot and buy a box of 100 gloves. Go to a paint sror and get the foam brushes by JEN.