: Jerry,

: When I build a SOF 'yak, I use rot resistant wood like western red cedar. I
: also treat the wood, either with a deck sealant or oil
: (linseed-oil/teurpentine/kerosene mix). This keeps the frame weight down.
: Just make sure you have adequate thickness as western red cedar is not as
: strong as some other woods.

: I would guess that Platt calls for varnish on the frames of his Geodesic
: boats.

: Mike

Hi Mike and Jerry

I would agree with your method of oil coating the frame Mike. I can't say the same for the Varnish idea. If the geodesics are the same as the SOF ( ie: flex and twist ) then the skin would eventually wear the varnish off the edges of the frame. The oil would penetrate into the wood and not wear down as the varnish. I would wipe down the entire structure with your mix, then hit the frame/skin contact points with another coat. In Putz book he makes mention of a fungicide to mix in with your finish ( on the frame ). If the boat is kept dry when not paddling it, would you still have a problem with fungus or mildew? Would this be a climate thing?

Rehd