Date: Tue, 2 Dec 1997 13:18:23 -0800 (PST)
From: "comstock@sfsu.edu" <comstock@sfsu.edu>
To: baidarka@lists.intelenet.net
Subject: Re: Light weight covering options
In-Reply-To: <01IQP0KRRCMA8YFORU@uwplatt.edu>
On Tue, 2 Dec 1997, Dr. Howard Dwyer wrote:
> Hello y'all.
>
> I am considering building a skin-over-frame kayak
> following the concepts from the book by George Putz.
>
> He recommends that the frame connections be screwed
> and glued with epoxy, but it seems to me that the
> screws are really just there to clamp the joint while
> the glue dries. They could then be removed. However,
> putting a screw through the thin strips will weaken
> them (it seems to me). Could I just arrange to clamp each
> joint in some other way (perhaps lash it) and skip the
> screws ?
Lashing seems much more structural and traditional
>
> Putz also recommends 10 oz cotton canvas duck. Some of you
> have been kind enough to offer opinions on this, and several
> alternate skin materials.
G.B. Dyson Biadarda and company has just scored some very lightweight
nylon (perhaps 5-7oz? for a rather reasonable price. For those who
value weight saving over durability, it bears checking.
>
> I have no experience building boats, but lots building
> kites and model airplanes (tissue covered balsa stick frame)
> so naturally the reference to paper covering caught my eye.
> There is a material called Tyvek, which is a "paper" made
> of spun synthetic fiber. It is light, waterproof (or at
> least water resistant) and unbelievably strong. This is> like a stiff paper.
>
>
> I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
>
> Howard Dwyer
> Univ. of Wisconsin Platteville (SW corner of WI)
>