: Something to keep in mind was that test was referenced was done purely with
: flat panels. Finite element analysis (and experience) shows that a flat
: panel will behave very differently when compared to a similar panel that
: has compounded curves. The curves add an incredible amount of stiffness
: and strength. Add to that the fact that a kayak is built upon a collection
: of surfaces comprised of compound curves intersecting and reinforcing each
: other. It HAS to be looked at a a total system. Most strippers have very
: few flat panels, if any, for that very reason.

This thread started out about flat panels, that's why the quoted reference is actually appropriate. You are correct that it cannot be generalized entirely to actual kayaks. Anybody got a stripper for destructive testing?

: S&G and strip-building are both excellent ways to build a kayak and ARE
: comparable when looked at as a whole system. Pound for pound of overall
: weight a stripper CAN be just as stiff/strong as a S&G boat depending on
: what materials are used for the core and what the laminations are.

Still, there are surprisingly few unglassed strippers while there are several S&G kayaks built with tape only ;-).

Henk