: Hi,

: With the 'glass on strip-built boats providing the strength, and the strips
: just holding them apart (and looking nice), do the two layers of
: fiberglass cloth need to be the same weight? To put it in context...

: I am building the Night Heron with 3.5mm thick WRC strips. I want the boat
: strong but not too heavy. I planned to use 6oz (200gsm) glass on the
: outside, but then was going to use 4oz (130gsm) on the inside to save
: weight. But, will this make the hull less stiff/strong/impact resistant?

: I know the inside glass will stretch if I hit a rock - will the above
: configuration unduly weaken the boat (especially given the
: thinner-than-usual strips) for a sligh weight saving?

: Should I use 6oz on the inside also and just be extra careful with the epoxy?

: Interested in peoples' thoughts.

: Oh, I am using the 3.5mm wood as it was available, and obtained off others
: who used it for a kayak and rowing shells. So it works, just need to be
: light-handed with the sander!

: Thanks,
: Darren
: Melbourne, Australia

I use 4 ounce glass on the whole boat and double it on the football shaped piece on the bottom, also under the seat and under the deck fore and aft of the cockpit. Works ok for me.

Bill H.