: If weight were no object and I wanted a stronger layup....

If weight were indeed no object and you wanted a stronger layup, you could add all the glass you want. But weight is an important factor in a kayak, so is cost. So we compromise. And the devil is in the details. This is a discussion that has gone on and could again go on for a VERY long time. To get your feet at least near the ground, have a look at Nick's page on material testing: http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/Building/Testing/index.html and past postings.

Then keep in mind that Kevlar is difficult, though not impossible to work with. Because you can't sand it (it just fuzzes up), the normal proceedure is to put it down first, very carefully, without overlapping the joints and then put down a layer of glass over the Kevlar while the resin is still wet and then work it all out very carefully. Remember that Kevlar is opaque and the wood will not show through. If you are not that worried about weight however, I certainly would not bother with Kevlar, rather, I'd just add another layer of 6 oz cloth.

That's just my two cents though.

CB