: If you check out the Geodesic Airolite method of constructing SOF boats
: you'll see that he reinforces them with kevlar strands. (www.gaboats.com)

: Kevlar fabric used for a reinforcement with plastic resins my be a more-open
: weave so it can wet out easily, but kevlar fabric with a tighter weave is
: made. It is used for making bullet-proof vests for police and military.
: Cut-proof garments are also made for loggers who work with chain saws.
: Frayed Kevlar brings a chain saw to a grinding halt in a hurry.
: The closer-weave fabric may be available as military surplus, or an odd lot
: might show up.
: Loose weave Kevlar can be coated with a trowel-grade elastomeric
: roofing/patching material. Do this before you try to skin a boat with the
: stuff. If the inside is coated with such a material, then the outside can
: be coated with something else. The abrasion resistance of the fabric would
: prevent a scratch on the outside from turning into a leak.

: If the fabric doesn't stretch you'll need to do some creative tailoring.
: Think darts, multiple seams, and a bit more coating to seal all the stitch
: holes. By first coating at least one side of the fabric while it is flat,
: your seal coat will bind the threads of the fabric, preventing unraveling.

: PGJ

Paul,

There are two different kinds of Kevlar (it's a trade name), Kevlar 49 is used for composites - what we'd use and Kevlar 29 is used for ballistics, they are not the same material and Kevlar 29 won't work with composites. Common misconception.

Bill H.