: On a side note, I just had an idea, If they ever legalize hemp would a hemp
: fiber/ epoxy resin kayak be feasable, I suppose the main problem would be
: the mold required. If it worked it would be cheaper than fiberglass.

Hemp fibers are currently being used in the construction of kayaks. Klepper kayak decks are made from a hemp fabric. The rest of the hull is nylon and hypalon. The hemp deck material is durable and breathes. Check the www.klepper.com site for more info on why they like using this material.

Just as linen or cotton is used as a fabric for skin on frame kayaks, hemp cloth could certainly be used. You would need to waterproof it, but probably the usual methods used for cotton canvas would be fine. In my area the price of hemp thread is outrageous, so I doubt that hemp cloth would be economical. I suspect this is because the thread is sold as a novelty item in "head" shops -- usually for stringing beads for necklaces. I can't even imagine the cost of weaving 5 yards of cloth from this.

PGJ