> I built a 12' S&G kayak using the 5.2mm luan from Home Depot. No trouble
> with bending or any building process, but it made a very heavy boat for
> it's length, about 50 lbs. It weighs the same as an 18 footer (including
> rudder) that I built from 4mm okume. I could have overdone the epoxy a
> little, but the extra thickness of wood adds up fast. I used 1/8 inch
> doorskin for the deck with a couple of light braces underneath. BTW, I use
> small nylon wire ties instead of wire for stitches, much easier and
> faster.

> If I ever get over my addiction of building kayaks with cedar strips I'm
> going to try using 1/8 inch doorskin covered on both sides with something
> like 2 oz. fiberglass. Has anyone tried that? Does it add too much weight?

My current project is a plywood Walrus 17. I'm using 1/8" luan and 3.25 oz. glass inside and out. Mine also has a 3/8"x3/4" red cedar frame. Instead of stitching, I'm just stapling the plywood to the frame. The hull is almost ready to be glassed. The kayak should be finished before Christmas, it is a present for my brother. I'm expecting it to weigh in around 30-35 lbs.

Mike