I cut the hole for the bowsprit this morning! The plans show this hole as exactly the same dimensions as bowsprit. I think it would be nice to have an 1/8" gap on top so I can tell when the bob stay is too loose and the upper breast hook is getting a workout. What says the hive mind about this? Seem to recall someone had theirs ripped out.
I think that you’re thinking is very good thinking, for your reasons stated. It would be nice to be able to see if the breasthook/upper deck was beginning to carry a load that it shouldn’t. If you ever find a problem with water intrusion from big waves or whatever (or maybe you plan to caulk without even waiting to see if there is a problem with leakage), you can simply caulk the gap with a soft caulking. You’ll still be able to see if the caulking is being compressed.
correcting my English “your” thinking.