> I recently started building a new stitch and glue kayak that I designed
> myself. When I began assembling the panels I noted that the hull assumed a
> greater rocker (about 2.5 inches from middle to bow) than the intended 1
> inch. I was determined to achieve the designed rocker, so I did some
> additional planing on the innner edges of the hull pieces and applied some
> bracing and forced the full to assume the shape I wanted. This caused the
> inner edges of the hull panels to gap apart about .25 inch on either side
> of the middle. I rolled the boat and put duct tape over the seams so that
> resin and fillets wouldn't fall through. As a consequence of all this
> forcing I had a very difficult time making sure that the boat was not
> twisted. If I had to do this over again, I think I would have re-made the
> two hull panels or just allowed the hull to assume the greater than
> intended rocker. I wonder if others have had similar experiences and if
> so, how you addressed them?

UPDATE

I decided to proceed with filleting the hull and sides of the boat. True to Murphy's law, the sides are a little off, about 1/4 inch or so. However, I was very impressed with how the duct tape worked over the 1/2 to 3/8 gaps at the seams. The fillets went into the gap and joined the panels very solidly. The duct tape did an excellent job sealing the joint and prevented the resin or fillet from migrating to the outside of the boat (and gluiing it to the floor!!). I also made the fillets extra thick at each end so that I can carve a gradual curve where the bow meets the water. Except for the 1/4 inch error, I am very pleased so far. I will try to take a few pictures and post them. Steve