Hi... I also had gaps that I couldn't live with, I also went to Lowe's but I purchased wood filler in two colors, Redwood & Natural, and started mixing them for color, I felt the wood filler could be seen from 100 yards but I have had other kayakers put in to shore just to see mine & talk to me when I was loading up. the small flaws you have only look big to YOU. I plan on more building kayaks and I'm sure they will look better too.