Hi Tracy, Fiberglass coamings are quite strong and sometimes less labor intensive than wooden ones. I do all coamings on my kayaks with fiberglass and carbon cloth cut on bias (45') to conform to the compound curvature. I recommend at least 7 layers of 6oz cloth or more. The addition of graphite cloth will make the coaming sustantially stiffer and stronger. One issue you will have to deal with is how to hold the fiberglass tightly around the underside as well as the top of the cockpit. I have struggled with this problem and I only need to bend it 90+ degrees. Check out the link below for an alternative construction of this type. The mold is made of minicel foam (5/8" x 1.25") wrapped around the cockpit rim and covered tightly with 2" masking tape to make a smooth and fair mold surface. You can also make the mold from rubber foam insulation for plumbing pipes. They are sold in any larger hardware store. Some spray adhesive and kitchen cling wrap make for a good 'mold release'. Lay up the coaming, trim and bond it the next day. A bit of sanding and few filler coats of epoxy and you got a pro coaming. Vaclav