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Re: Thanks . . .
By:LeeG
Date: 12/7/2004, 1:15 pm
In Response To: Thanks . . . (Charles Leach)

I'm with Rob on the recommendations for s-glass once you start looking for "light but ...". But even 4oz s-glass can ding under the bottom of the hull on a sharp surface. I had a NorthBay with 4oz s-glass and although it was fine I did see dinging in the wood. The nice thing about s-glass compared to e-glass is that it's tougher,,where 4oz e-glass would whiten/break at a small ding the s-glass would simple deform without the fibers breaking through.
Looking for "minimal" carries with it a whole collection of diminishing returns to get the extra few ozs,,,or the extra durability for those fewer ozs. In other words you can use less cloth EVERYWHERE and find the high wear areas worn through,,or use light cloth where it's acceptable and little amounts where the high wear/stress occurs. Eliminating 9oz tape is a good place to save weight.
Like Rob said there's a certain amount of epoxy needed to provide durable waterproofness for cosmetic reasons,,no way around it. It would be a shame to shoot for a 37lb kayak that would waterstain easily if a 38.5lb kayak was more tolerant of standing water. Or a 39lb kayak could handle standing (8oz on a sunny day?) water in closed compartments while being transported/paddled.
I'd go for 4oz s-glass on the interior and exterior of the hull with a tight weave 3.25oz e-glass for clarity on the deck and football area of the bottom. After that get very picky where you put little extra amounts for durability sake,,a couple oz of glass/epoxy over the bow/stern tips will reduce chipping when swinging the kayak around in the parking lot and garage.

Messages In This Thread

Seeking: How much glass is sufficient (min)
Charles Leach -- 12/5/2004, 2:06 pm
Thanks . . .
Charles Leach -- 12/7/2004, 10:16 am
Re: Thanks . . .
LeeG -- 12/7/2004, 1:15 pm
Re: Seeking: How much glass is sufficient (min) *LINK* *Pic*
Bobby Curtis -- 12/6/2004, 9:35 am
Re: Seeking: How much glass is sufficient (min)
Rob Macks -- 12/6/2004, 9:31 am
Re: Seeking: How much glass is sufficient (min)
Paul Jacob -- 12/5/2004, 8:35 pm
Re: Seeking: How much glass is sufficient (min) *LINK*
gerald -- 12/5/2004, 5:16 pm
Re: Seeking: How much glass is sufficient (min)
Thomas Duncan -- 12/5/2004, 6:23 pm
Re: Seeking: How much glass is sufficient (min)
Paul G. Jacobson -- 12/6/2004, 11:02 pm
Re: Seeking: How much glass is sufficient (min)
Thomas Duncan -- 12/7/2004, 12:02 am
Re: Seeking: How much glass is sufficient (min)
Kurt Hoffman -- 12/7/2004, 7:00 am
Re: Seeking: How much glass is sufficient (min)
thomas duncan -- 12/7/2004, 9:13 am
No, no, no
Paul G. Jacobson -- 12/9/2004, 1:24 am
Son of a gun!!!!.... *LINK*
gerald -- 12/5/2004, 6:53 pm