Precedent huntsmen
Hi Gary
Welcome to the site.
The frame should be level with the hull lip, so the deck can sit on the lip and the frame top. Sounds like the frames are for a planked model so each may need reducing by the thickness of the fibreglass hull and then gradually reduced to a good fit. You will find sealing the deck to the hull will be easier and more waterproof with the deck on top of the lip.
Most kits assume a certain level of experience and as you build more models so your expertise will improve.
You will usually find help on this site and others will benefit and learn from your experience.
Please keep posting updates and pics as you progress.
Dave
Live long and prosper
Dave