I'm building a chesapeake 17LT and have been looking through the archive for alternatives to the standard sheer clamp method (that leaves a piece of rub rail to cover the plywood ends of the side and deck). One thread made the point that the rub rail is functional; and this is the recommended installation.

But I was wondering if others had tried something else for cosmetic reasons?

For example I was thinking of installing the 3/4" x 1 1/2" sheer clamp per the instructions but with a routered step for the side panel to sit flush into. Then wire up the all the bottom and side panels to create the kayak shape. Then router a step for the deck panel to sit flush into. Then epoxy a 1/2" x 1/2" second sheer clamp to give a larger surface for the deck to bond too. This way, once the deck is installed, the first sheer clamp could be rounded over and offer a contrasting wood finish and shape to the plywood deck and sides. (of course panels may need a little adjustment to maintain the overall dimensions). What have others tried and what do you think about this suggestion?

Tom