Subject: [baidarka] Plastic SOF Ideas / Questions
From: Juan Ochoa (jochoa@ll.mit.edu)
Date: Thu Oct 18 2001 - 11:18:34 EDT
Hi everyone,
I'm thinking about building this winter. I'll probably attempt a Shields
baidarka. Being an experimenter for a living, I know I won't get it right the
first time: Some modifications will be duds; It may not fit well at first;
etc. I'm toying with different frame materials to optimize flexibility and
assembly.
So in the true Saran Wrap tradition (which still makes me laugh Peter), I was
thinking of assembling a temporary, easy-to-make frame to learn my skills and
test the design. Something like a plywood bow, stern ,and test ribs, screwed
together it what I had in mind. That would be easiest to shape and be strong
enough for the initial testing. I'm unsure of the gunwale material right now.
The other idea was to use 1/2' PVC pipe or conduit, heat and bend as needed and
maybe use the PVC for stringers as well.
The problem with PVC for the final boat is its brittleness. Another solution to
maintain a flexible frame would be to use polypropylene or polyethylene tubing /
pipe. With a three-piece keelson and the softer frame members, the boat may have
sufficient flex to avoid specific joints.
I talked to a fiberglass tube vendor who said it would not be a good frame
material over time. The material would de-laminate on the side of the tube in
tension.
What I want to avoid is many hours of work building a beautiful, but unusable
kayak. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions you all might have.
Thanks,
Best Regards,
______________________________________
Juan Ochoa
Quantum Electronics Group
MIT Lincoln Laboratory
jochoa@ll.mit.edu
(781) 981-0657
(781) 981-0602 FAX
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