Re: [Paddlewise] Hull/Deck Seam Construction

From: Michael Daly <michaeldaly_at_home.com>
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 21:10:35 -0500
MJAkayaker_at_aol.com wrote:
>  
> 1. What is an "outside" seam exactly?
> 
A fiberglass strip covering the outside of the seam.  The CD kayaks have
a fiberglass strip covering the inside of the H channel.

> 2. Current Designs info says the "H" channel method produces a "seam that has
> a hollow center which accommodates the rudder cables inside".  How are the
> deck and hull glued to the "H" to leave a hollow center?   Is the hollow
> center going to be a weak point particulaly up forward where there is no need
> for rudder cables.?

My understanding is that the cross bar in the H is hollow, so it provides
a separate passage for the cable.  Since the H section is backed by a fiberglass
seam cover, its strength shouldn't be an issue.  The H section allows them to 
make a waterproof seal with a passage for the cable.  The glass provides the 
strength.

> 
> 3. What are the pro's and con's of each construction (or does it even matter
> to the paddler)?

_Properly_done_, it shouldn't matter.  I haven't heard of CD kayaks having a 
higher failure rate than those boats that are fiberglassed inside and out.
Maybe they do.  There may be weight differences, but leave that for the fanatics.

> 
> 5. Can you tell by looking at the boat how the deck and hull are joined?
> 

Maybe,... usually?  Sometimes I can't figure out how the plastic strip is 
made by examining the outside.  Is it like the CD or is it all fiberglass
with a thin bumper strip covering?  T shaped?  

You should be able to tell if it's glassed over on the inside , since there's 
no gel coat or anything to hide it.  

Anyone know what the techy details are on the beautiful strip that Boreal 
Designs puts on their kayaks?

Mike
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Received on Wed Dec 15 1999 - 18:11:54 PST

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