: If you are particularly tough on the bottom of your boat, you can "armor
: plate" it with a layer of some super strong fabric like Dynel, or
: Kevlar, or just build on a "sacrificial" layer of regular
: fiberglass cloth. Your first year or two of use will give you an
: indication of whether you need this extra weight and protection. If you
: break something during that time you have the skills, tools and materials
: to fix it.

: hope this helps.

: Paul G. Jacobson

It does help, Paul, thanks. Thanks to everyone for the input on this thread. As I said earlier, I now feel fairly confident with the techniques I've chosen. I understand the boat won't be bulletproof, but I don't think it's "unsafe at any speed" either.

I can see some merit to the thinner wood core with multiple laminations of lightweight glass, too. I imagine the principle is similar to a microlam beam having a greater strenght/weight ratio than a couple of 2x12s. As I get more experience I'll be better able to determine if this type of layup would be worth the effort for the conditions I encounter.

Thanks again,

Jim