Bris,

Allan and Mike are getting at an issue with carbon that often goes unappreciated. Because carbon has a lower density than glass, assuming the same fiber to resin ratio, a given areal weight (oz/sqyd or g/sqm) carbon will weigh significantly more than the same areal weight glass because of the additional resin required. Therefore, to save weight, you need to use a much lighter areal weight carbon than glass. I'm not aware of many sources for carbon cloth in weights that will come out lighter than carefully wet-out 4-oz glass.

Sam

: I have already built 5 S&G Yaks, all of which I glassed the
: hull and decks with standard 4 oz glass.

: I've now got into racing and am considering building a strip ICF
: racer of my own design with the help of The Kayak Foundry.

: I'm thinking of useing 1/8 Paulowina for the strips (and even
: possibly some balsa ,to keep the weight to minimum ) and glass
: inside and out of both deck and hull with either ,ONE LAYER of
: carbon fiber ,or alternativley ONE LAYER of 4 oz galss.

: (I have used carbon covered balsa for rudders with great success in
: the past.)

: I may vacum bag if practical.

: The object is to get the benifits of a cored hull, of light weight
: , that will only be used in still water racing ,therefor
: standard durability need not come into the equasion.

: Can anyone who is familar with cored hulls ,tell me what are the
: strength differences and any pluses and minuses, of using the
: one layer method of carbon fiber instead of 4 oz glass.

: Dont worry about commenting on the cost differences as I have
: aquired enough carbon fiber already ,very very cheaply.

: Thanks Bris Paul