: Think of it this
: way, would you lay up a mold with shredded newspaper and epoxy? It likely
: would be just as strong as well as thick and heavy.

Um, actually I WAS thinking of doing something like that. But I've been considering using polyester resin instead, as it is cheaper.

The original model is a skin on frame boat that is being used as a testbed for some of my other ideas. What I want is to make a composite of papermache surrounded by fiberglass cloth and resin or both sides. In effect, the paper strips replace the cedar strips you would use in a cedar strip boat. After that point the finishing is the same as for a cedar strip boat. The strength of paper is in the wood fibers, just as in lumber. I may need about the same weight of paper as I would need of wood -- or maybe more -- but for the purposes I'm thinking of, weight is not a major consideration.

Instead of a female mold I was thinking of covering my test boat with saran wrap and laying on several layers of paper and wallpaper paste, and letting it dry. When the paper layers were thick enough I'd slit through them and peel the paper "hull" off of the existing kayak. I'd join the parts together in the same fashion as a deck is attached conventionally: Fillets, resin and tape.

If this ever gets off the ground I'll send pictures.

PGJ