: Hi

: I'm starting to build a Guillemot Single, but have found it very hard to find
: straight material for the strongback.

: First i thought of using a metal tube with a 2x4 profile, but i have no metal
: tools (and am not going to buy any), for tapering the ends, to fit inside
: the outline of the kayak bow and stern.

: Now i'm considering using 16mm MDF, shaped in a "2x4 4-sided tube",
: but will that be rigid enough for 16' 20"?

: Any other suggestions will be welcome.

: Regards

: Jesper

This is by no means a recommendation... But, it would depend on how many supports you used under your beam. With plywood ( 1/2" to 3/4" ) you could get away with two supports and probably be o.k., but with MDF I would recommend something every 3' or so. Personally I would not use anything less than 5/8" fir plywood, but I like to build strong and in so doing, have NO fear of problems creeping in later on. For the couple of extra bucks you'd pay, it's a whole lot of relief. Just my opinion, of course...

Rehd