: Hi Chris,
: I was involved in building a foam core boat years back (pre-CF
: days, CF was only for military tech) and there are some
: differences. The mold/framework to lay the foam had more pieces,
: the cross-sectional mold-frames and stringers. The foam was
: stitched to the stringers rather than to the molds as in wood
: strip.
: The core was a bit thicker than would be needed for a kayak, much
: less 'floppy' but still needs more of a framework to support it.

: Strength in compression was determined by the foam density, we used
: higher density foam along the keel-line and high stress areas
: and lower densities elsewhere.

: Fairing this was messier than a wooden core, the sandings get
: 'static cling'.

: Other than a few things, not much difference overall. But you have
: availability, cost, appearance, intended usage, etc effecting
: choice of materials. So far, wood is easily available compared
: to foams, likewise CF.
: For some reason, kayak builders prefer wood cores, something to do
: with individuality of appearance of the kayak as an inherent
: component of the structure, foam core doesn't give that level of
: individuality as an inherent component. Painting designs on the
: surface would hide the prettiness of CF. :)

: Then there's the "Ooo, pretty" response. Not something
: you get universally with CF but you do with wood core. That, I
: think, is a vital aspect of strip building for us. Put a foam/CF
: kayak beside a wood strip kayak and watch who and how many go
: "Ooo, pretty". :D Plus, timber smells nicer than
: foams.

: There is also the point of 'scavenging' materials, kind of harking
: back to building from what is easily available locally. A kinda
: expression of survival ability.

: Mike Savage
: South West Cork

Other than every point made by Mike, wood is also really nice to work with, smells great and it's fun. I've yet to meet a person that thought that sanding foam was fun, fast and efficient perhaps, not fun.

Bill H.