"GB" wrote in message


concerned that the method didn't look nearly strong enough.
The design I had in mind was flat bottomed, (see the url below)
and I had planned on perhaps going beyond the reccomended jointing
methods screwing the bottom and sides to a piece of wood of
about 1in x 1in for the length of each join. Is that overkill?



http://personal.eunet.fi/pp/gsahv/dinghy1/simboii.htm


Hi
To answer a couple of your queries

The fibreglass taped join is far superior to a glued stringer-
Not overkill as it's not as strong.
Much easier to tape the chine.

To clear finish the best method is epoxy coating and then a clear UV
filtering varnish or polyurethane.
Having said that, if you are not going to store it in the sun for long
periods or keep it in wet conditions, eg if in a garage, then any cheap
varnish equivalent will do.

Peter HK