Hi Mike,

This kayak building is addictive isn't it :-)

For the decks of the lauan kayak, unless you have a specific reason to make a flat deck, consider pre-cambering (the way Grant Goltz suggests by forming with wires) and applying the garden cloth on the inside of the deck panels. The camber will maximize longitudinal strength and torsional stiffness of the kayak. I have not had any problems with my 30" radius decks but I plan to go to a smaller radius on the next boat. Increased strength is always good - especially if you can gain it an minimal cost (weight /materials).

Haven't done any experiments with the window screening as a reinforcement. So, totally by guess, I think that the regular matrix on the screen would weaken the epoxy by dividing it into little squares - lots of resin in-between the strands, little over the strands. That and the regular weave of the screening offers "tear lines". The results would be heavier (more epoxy) and weaker that the random weave garden cloth.

This evening I received a flyer in the mail from the local wood mill. They were advertising various wood grain finishes on 3 mm lauan wall paneling at about the same price ($16.00 Canadian) as regular lauan. I might pick up a piece for reinforcing the cockpit area with a fancy finish. Functional and pretty - gotta like that.

Enjoy your building.

Hank