Re: [Paddlewise] Building a wooden boat

From: Nick Schade <nick_at_guillemot-kayaks.com>
Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:06:47 -0500
I understand the perception that plywood is tougher than strips,  
because in its raw form plywood _is_ tougher than strips. However, I  
find my S&G boats get beat up faster than my strip boats. The reason  
is, the chines. Any sharp angle is going to end up receiving more wear  
and tear. This is why the keel of a standard boat often needs a keel  
strip. Imagine a boat with 3 keels and you have hard chined S&G boat.  
A stripper can be more rounded, thus spreading out the abuse.

If you put enough glass on the wood to protect it from cutting  
through, strips and plywood should be pretty similar. Multi-chines  
will also reduce the issue discussed above.
Nick


On Dec 18, 2008, at 10:39 PM, Doug Lloyd wrote:

> Sorry, all my coaching friends don't have a high opinion of strip  
> built kayaks, preferring the perceived advantages of plywood. I have  
> idea for something in between.
>
> If I were racing a go-fast rocket boat, I'd join Kirk with a super  
> light C/Fbre stead.
>
> Doug Lloyd
>
>
>> It's pretty clear that the ideal boat for  rocks and surf is going  
>> to be
>> made of plastic. The good news is that there are more boats  
>> suitable for
>> this every year. I just hope the economy isn't going to squash the  
>> people
>> who are doing this.
>>

Nick Schade

Guillemot Kayaks
54 South Rd
Groton, CT 06340
USA
Ph/Fx: (860) 659-8847
http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/
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Received on Fri Dec 19 2008 - 05:06:56 PST

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