Subject: RE: baidarka Comments needed on construction plan, please
From: Peter A. Chopelas (pac@premier1.net)
Date: Tue Jan 23 2001 - 23:58:54 EST
Robert Newton wrote:
> I'm planning to build a baidarka using Brinck's book, except that I want
to
> use an all ash frame and heat-shrink nylon or dacron cloth. I'd really
> appreciate help with a few questions:
>
> 1. Is 8 oz cloth strong enough? 12oz?
PC: My own investigation is that 8oz/yd is the lower limit of what is
considered acceptable but it depends what you expect to do with it. I have
only built a few kayaks but the 8oz fabric seems plenty durable to me, and
I would consider even lighter fabric for a specialty packable/folding
kayak.
>
> 2. If I make the gunwales 3/4 by 11/2, the hull ribs and stringers 1/2 by
> 1/4 and the deck ribs 11/2 inch thick, will the frame be strong enough?
PC: these are all pretty normal sizes except the stringers are usually
5/8" square, stringers only 1/4 thick may tend to crack when you land them
or bump rocks, etc.
> 3. Are there fundamental differences in workability or performance
between
> nylon and dacron that I should consider in selecting which to use as
skin?
PC: I have used both nylon and cotton duck, both stretch to make nice
wrinkle free shapes. But the right tension on the fabric is important
because nylon (and cotton too but to a lesser extent) relaxes in cool/moist
condition and could result in a loose looking skin. Not a serious issue,
just unattractive. Dacron is alleged not to have this problem though I can
imagine trying to get good smooth, tight skin is more of a chore.
>
> 4. What paint would work best for smoothness and durability, Hypalon or
> polyurethane?
PC: Two part polyurethane is best for both, Hypalon will almost always
show some of the weave texture but is much less expensive. Hypalon is also
fairly durable. One part polyurethane is inexpensive, gives a smooth
surface but I have seen it start to peel in less than two seasons worth of
use on others' kayaks.
>
> By strong enough, I mean for my use as a recreational paddler (180 lbs.),
> mostly day trips with the occasional overnight, no rock surfing, some
> paddling on the ocean side of Newport/Block Island Sound. I'm located on
> Narragansett Bay.
This is a relative word and hard to know what your intended use will be,
you will have to be somewhat more careful with any skin-on-frame that with
most factory plastic boats. But they are much lighter, much less expensive
and I think more fun. Built it light and get to know it (and you) better.
You will likely want to do it differently after you get more experience so
just plan on it, consider the first one a proto-type, and make adjustments
to the next one. Kayaks are simple and fast enough to build that this is
not an unreasonable thing to do.
Peter
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