Hi,

I am about to start building a Point Bennett 18 ply S&G kayak, and was keen to do a veneered panel pattern (similar to that shown in Wooden Boat April 2009 in 'Launchings' article p83).

This will involve building the kayak from ply panels as per normal, then epoxying 0.6mm ply sheets to the hull before glassing the hull.

The plans call for 4mm ply, and Duane (the designer) believes 3mm panels will flex too much in building. Having used 3mm, I agree.

However, I don't want an overly heavy hull. Should I go with 3mm ply with the 0.6mm veneer, making a 4mm hull and something like 200gsm cloth bracing the hull panels during building to compensate for the thinner panels); OR go with the 4mm ply, adding the veneer and glue being a 5mm thick hull, and a lighter (125gsm) glass?

Not sure which would give a heavier hull, and what effect thinner hull/heavier glass vs thicker core/lighter glass would have on overall weight and hull strength?

Any thoughts, advice, etc appreciated.

Thanks,
Darren