There's been a few questions regarding the methadology of what I call vertical foam stripping so I'll explain what I mean.

I use the same frame forms as for wood stripping, except it's easiest to cut them smaller by the thickness of the lengthwise fairing battens. These are usually 1" to ensure fairness, though can be less if hollow shapes or sharp changes are needed. Unlike several of the posted followups I don't intend to make a mold using the foam, instead I'm building foam core. The foam can be .25" (Divinicell or Corecell are the two I'm familiar with) and is laid in 6" to 12" wide strips accross the hull either from gunwale to gunwale - need two sets of form frames for hull and deck - or centreline to centreline - only needs one set of form frames that are reversed to do the other half. The latter method is a little trickier for a kayak I suspect but works very well for sailing boats.

One side of the foam is laid up first, either inside or outside depending on whether female or male form frames are used. I prefer female because I can also put in the bulkheads at this point, which will stiffen the structure when it is removed from the form frames. Then turn it over and lay up the outside. Then reverse the forms for the other side. Finally join the two halves together.

On the inside a single layer of 2 oz glass fabric or carbon cloth should do it, on the outside probably just one layer 6 oz carbon with kevlar tape along the join (which if I do the hull in two vertical halves also puts kevlar along the keel). Epoxy is the glue.

These are my ideas of how to apply the method to building a lightweight kayak. Any comments?

> Hi all

> I'm relatively new to kayaking but see that building my own kayak will be
> both a realization of a dream and also the only affordable way to own it.
> I participate in adventure races that incorporate paddling legs and am
> looking for plans for a surf-ski or fast single kayak to build using foam
> stripping (yes, I realize that I'll lose the beautiful look of the wood,
> but I am experienced with this method from sailing dinghy building and
> suspect I can make it very light as well). Any ideas are welcomed. Thank
> you.