Folks,

At the risk of exposing my lack of knowledge about kayak building I have what I think is a pretty basic question. I am just finishing glassing the inside of my hull and will soon move on to joining the hull & deck. I have read a lot of posts and books about methods of applying the tape to the inside seam and the quality issues and mess that accompanies that operation. What is the downside of cutting out my hatches before joining the two pieces? Will that cause the deck to flatten out and lose its shape? It would seem that being able to use the hatch opening to complete the inside joint would make it much easier.

I welcome all thoughts, please keep your laughter to a minimum.

Scot in Manchester, MI