> I am very close to buying the materials to build 2 CLC Patuxent 17.5s. I
> am still toying with the idea of using 3mm plywood all around to save some
> weight.

Steve,

I am finishing up my Pawtuxent 19.5, built from a kit. It is 3mm plywood. I had taken the lower hull outside for some sanding. It had been glassed with a graphite mixture from the waterline down.

I placed the hull on two saw horses and did some heavy sanding. Being a plastic kayak kind of guy, I forgot how light the wood hull was and went inside for a break, leaving it unattended, on a fairly windy day.

As only one who puts the amount of effort into building a kayak can imagine, I went outside to find my hull rolling along the driveway... after (of course) falling the 3-4 feet from the saw horses and onto the asphault surface.

Upon examining the hull for damage, I can proudly say that there was not a scratch or crack on it. So...if it can take that, then 3mm is the way to go for a light weight AND strong boat.

P.S. It helps to throw a weight on the hull when left outside, he he.

Dave