Transom fillets without tape

[ccx2]

Hey Guys, the designer of my 16' garvey says i dont have to tape the tramsom/hull panel joints on my garvey and that fillet only would be ok, it has a keel/transom cleat, quarter knees, and the rear seat extends all the way back to the transom, all giving it good support so i suppose thats why he says no need for taping. What do you guys think? would you tape it anyway or maybe the tape would serve no purpose applied in that area?

[JimD]

If the designer knows what he's doing then you ought to be able to trust his instructions. Personally, I like to set the tape into the still wet filet - makes it very easy to arrive at a very smooth, uniform filet.

[Mike Vogdes]

Never heard of such a detail, what design are you building and who's the designer?

[ccx2]

Never heard of such a detail, what design are you building and who's the designer?
16 ben garvey, doug hylan design. Thats not in his details, its from an answer to an e-mail question to him. He said only the outside of transom joints need tape, inside all thats neccissary is fillit. Seems to me thats where it would need more strength from the tape if the tape would make it stronger. I dunno,im a begginer and i dont want to comprimise strenght by a short cut of not taping. I trust the designer but what do you think? Opinions please.

[Mike Vogdes]

I have those plans and just took a look... Between the transom knees, seat framing on the transom, and four layers of tape on the exterior she will be plenty ridged.

Like Jim says, laying a piece of tape over the filet will give you a better surface.
It will finish out better and make her that much more water tight.

[JimConlin]

Do exactly what that designer says.

[ccx2]

OK,Thanks guys.