> I bought the wood for kayak #3 today. I'm going to use the forms from my
> Putz, but make the bow about 3" higher. I'm doing this one on the
> cheap, using:

> 3 sheets 1/8" luan total amt. $30 for wood. 1 gallon epoxy resin with
> one quart hardener 4-to-1 ratio bought from friend who is a fiberglass
> worker $25. 6 yards 50" 4 oz. fiberglass cloth $35

> I will reinforce inside the cockpit with extra luan. I may use the
> polyester garden cloth on the inside instead of glass, this would be about
> $10 for a 100' roll. Has anyone considered using fiberglass screen
> material on the inside of a kayak? I could use that double thick on the
> inside and it would be less than $10. Any recomendations???

> I'm trying to build it for under $100, and keep the weight below 35 pounds
> hopefully around 30. The deck will be a flat deck except for a peak in
> front of the cockpit, greenland style. It will be 17' long with a 21"
> beam. I already have leftover wire from my Pygmy and the forms from the
> Putz, it seems doable for under $100. I'm also hoping to finish it by
> Christmas to give it to my brother. I'll let my brother worry about the
> varnish.

> I will also be building 2 kid's kayaks for my niece and nephew. Those will
> be from the plans in Roy Underhill's "The Woodwright's Ecclectic
> Workshop". They are very simple skin on frame boats that can be built
> in an afternoon. They are supposed to last about 3 years using the worst
> materials. I'll use better and the kids will outgrow them before they wear
> out. I have enough paint left over from my Putz that I should be able to
> cover 2 small kayaks. I'll epoxy and brass screw the joins instead of
> nailing them. I'll seal the wood which Roy doesn't say to do. I'm also
> thinking about using sythetic cloth instead of canvas. I also have enough
> monel staples left over to use them instead of tacks. All this should make
> them hold up much longer than Roy expects. It will probably take a few
> days instead of an afternoon, but they will be much better kayaks.

> Mike

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Don't Use Fiberglass Cloth Substitutes:

The fiberglass mesh or screen you might use is probably lacking in the chemical treatment that is sprayed on fiberglass laminating cloth by the manufacturer. Without this treatment, the resin will not penetrate and blend in with the fiber, resulting in a very poor outcome. You should test a small sample of any unusual fiber with the resin, before you buy a large amount of it.

Steve McDonald