> Has anyone out there ever built a kayak out of door skin mahogany and if
> you did how did it turn out and how well has it stood up. Thank you John

John,

I used luan door skins for a 15' taped-seam kayak of my own design which I finished this past spring. The kayak started out as a throw-it-together prototype, but started looking so good I ended up putting a little extra time and effort into it. Unfortunately, I have only had it out three times, so I can't tell you how it will hold up in the long run. My impression is that it is plenty strong enough. I did, however, use 6oz. fiberglass inside and out, with two layers of 6oz. inside the cockpit. This is all in addition to the 6oz. glass on both sides of the chines and keel! You guessed it, at 40#, it's a little heavy for a 15' boat.

I would not hesitate using luan door skins again. At 3' X 7' they are very easy to handle. With three scarfs you could build a boat about 20' long, (most stitch-and-glue plans call for three scarfs, (or butt joints), even with 4'X 8' sheets). Luan is quite beautiful finished bright, surpassing cedar strips, in my opinion.

I think a good way to view door skins is that they become a very strong, 5-ply plywood after you glass both sides. I guess only time will tell if it will hold up. My kayaks are stored under cover and out of the rain and sun, so I am hopeful.

Come to think of it, the luan door skins on my bathroom doors have lasted for about 18 years now, and they only have two coats of Varathane, and are constantly exposed to moisture.

Of course, you will probably only save $75 or so by using door skins versus marine grade plywood.

George