> I typically add layer of polyester "random weave cloth" (bought
> from the garden center - sold as a ground cloth for weed control) to the
> back (inside surface of the kayak) of the panels. Do this before
> assembling the kayak because it is easier to work on the panels when they
> are flat. The polyester cloth is stiff and does not drape. This does not
> use as much epoxy as glass would and you have to waterproof the inside
> anyway.

> Hank Hey Hank,

For some reason I keep thinking about this post while I'm not otherwise occupied. I think I put some of the "polyester random weave cloth" you refer to down in my garden a few years back. It's the black fuzzy stuff? I never would have thought of glueing the stuff in my boat. I can kind of picture how it would wet out. I can quickly see the cost advantage - I guess if it absorbs less epoxy - that helps with weight and cost again - but I'm curious about it's properties. It doesn't seem like the fibers would be that strong on their own. Perhaps epoxy impregnation changes this? How stiff do the panels get? Are they still pliable enough to bend?

Do you get your Luan at a home center like Home Depot? At the ones in my neighborhood - they have some nice stuff that is intended for door panels - but it comes in 3x7 sheets and I needed 4x8's - so I ended up with something that is pretty nice on one side and a totally different - kind of yellowish color on the other. I built a Glen-L Rob Roy out of the stuff last summer. I'm pretty happy with the results - but the okoume I got in my Ches. 17 kit is sure a lot nicer. Given the boochoo hours spent frittering away - I'm not sure I would use Luan again - maybe for a test design that I didn't spend so much time finishing.

Thanks for all of your posts - especially regarding the Putz Walrus - I kind of discounted the Putz after reading both his and Wolgang Brinck's books - but the simplified vs. traditional building techniques seems like a real time saver - although I'm not sure I would like the tenderness of the narrow bottom.

PC