When I built my Chesapeake 17, I used copper wire but did not filet over the wire as Chris had in his manual. I ran ultra tiny filets between the wire using a coffee stirring stick. Once this hardened, I removed the wire and did my real filets and glass taping. I really think one layer of tape would be enough and 2" not the 3 inch suggested. Fileting over the ties or wire, force you into giant big ugly over-weighted filets. (like I did on one side)

If you ever see a Superior Artic Hawk made by Mark Rogers, you'll see the most beautiful small fillets in the world. After seeing one of his boats I now know how small these fillets can be as well as how little glass you really need.