I've just been examining the beautiful pictures of Gini's new Tern 14. I've ordered the same boat (which is still in the box about 10 months later...) and have, to this point, only read and re-read the instructions about a dozen times.

Gini raised the possibility of two intersting alterations reciently. #1 skipping the outer tape, #2 staining.

Regarding #1 - Would the group (knowing this was my first attempt at boating building) advise me to try this, or stick with the directions? I'm a good woodworker but haven't done fiberglass before. I'd love to gain something on the appearence side but don't want to get myself into trouble on boat #1. Does the fiberglass tape look "bad"?

And in #2 - I absolutely love the color. But again, something to try on my first boat? I've read to avoid stain because of "sticking" problems and also the possibility of sanding through the stain when you're rounding the edges. Come to think of it, you'd have to sand through the stain while shaping the bow/stern wouldn't you?

Many have obviously worked around these issues, but what should I do on my first (but probably only for a long, long while) boat?

Thanks!
Scott