Okay, some "what-if"s...

What if you cut the panels like a S&G kayak, then joined them with cable ties. Assume that the holes drilled in the coroplast held the cable ties and could do so reliably and indefinitely. Plan to leave the cable ties in permanently. So, the basic form of the S&T (stitch & Tape) boat is accomplished. Now you need to make it stronger and seal out water.

Assume you can get some kind of industrial strength tape which could seal the seams inside and out. I have no idea if this exists, but let's say it does. Just to be sure, before you apply the tape, seal the seam edges inside and out with silicone caulk.

Now build some ribs out of the coroplast - perhaps several thicknesses glued together. Insert them into the boat for increased strength.

Add a coaming with tape, plastic rivets (is there such a thing?) or some such process. Maybe protect the hull with a coat of that rubberized waterproof roof paint or just more strips of your heavy-duty tape. This coating can be repenished when abraded off.

What's intruiging about this is just how light, cheap (one of my favorite subjects), and quick this might be.

The big question is how durable. A lot would depend on finding that super tough tape. Anyone know if such exists?

This also might be a way for someone to build a model of a S&G to paddle in real life before committing to that design for an actual wood boat.

fun stuff!

Wayne

ad delirium,
Wayne