Good point with the domino effect. The lightness of the geodesic designs is their primary selling point, and I can't see that lashing the joints would add significant weight. As long as the wood of the frame itself holds, there shouldn't be a problem.

Also, the baidarka built with the elastomeric glues might have something to add here. (I can't recall the web address...) For major stress points - deckbeams, coaming, stringers, and keelson joints, this might be just the ticket. Now, if I can only find that article...

I'm thinking about it.

Nathan
> The boats are not bullet-proof. Sharp pointy things can puncture the skin
> easily although my father has gotten stuck on a submerge tree stump with
> no more effect than dimpled dacron. They are pretty rugged for other kinds
> of forces.

> But, breaking surf, I don't know. The boat may be able to handle it, but
> it would be scary. Since the boat is held together by a bunch of small,
> glued points you need to have a lot of confidence in all those points.
> Forces should be well distributed, but since all the forces come together
> where the ribs, stringers and Kevlar crosses, if one of those
> intersections fail, you may get a domino effect.