: 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
...................................................................................
Hi Darren,
I've built both the 18ft Point Bennett and the Cunningham SK94 with 3mm (1/8")ply and 4oz glass on hull ,deck and cokpit floor,with 5 layers on bow and stern.
I cut down the hight of the sides and installed a round deck on both.
I have had no problems with durabiliy of this construction .
Because I was in a hurry ,my PB has a small wave in the chine that is obvious only to the builder,(ME)others have never noticed it,and would probably not have happened if I was not in such a hurry to get it in the water.
Because we carry sails my boats always have rudders etc.
I just weighed my PB complete with rudder,rudder pedals,mast step, and sail cleat, etc at 16.2kg.(35.64 lb).
The rudder gear etc weighs 4.5 lbs.
Construction Layup depends where your paddleing.
This construction makes for a nice light boat,which is the one you'll pick every time when you want to go paddleing.
I'm about to start a CLC Pax 18 ,using 1/8' ply ,with 2" glass tape only, on the chines,keel ,deck joint etc. No glass on hull or deck.

My back loves light boats.

Hope this helps.

Regards Paul