: Facinating link from their site to their instructions for refinishing.

: http://www.pocock.com/woodvarn.htm

: As I read it, they call for laminating a layer of glass fabric onto the outer
: hull by using thinned varnish -- NOT an epoxy or polyester resin!

: I wonder how much strength that would have and whether it might be a cheaper
: alternative for covering the outside of stitcha and glue constructions.

Since it is referencing the refinishing of a wooden shell, it is most likely more for abrasion protection for the thin veneer rather than for strength. We have an old racing double at our boathouse that is in need of refinishing. The veeer is cracked in a few places (no delamination though). There is lots of wear along the keel (and a really bad job of 'glass taping in one section of the hull). I could see the benifits of having a very light layer of cloth to build the varnish upon,.......at least along the keel line. These racing shell guys are very weight consciencious (sp??). Maybe that is why they did not use epoxy. It might make refinishing a bit easier for the next guy too.
As a side note: We just got a new Pocock four/quad (carbon/composite) in this week! It actually belongs to the Oklahoma University Crew, but our top juniors will get to row it as a quad every now and then. It is a beauty, but it is a shame that you don't see too many of the wood boats out on the race course anymore.
Vaclav tells me that he is going to design some racing singles in strip construction............I can't wait! Well, actually, it's my daughter that can't wait....I'm still in a rec. single!.....she make it look so easy. Rowing is a great sport! One of our Junior girls was stroke in the top finishing Junior's women's four at the Nationals in New Jersey recently........that is a first for Oklahoma for sure.....GO CARLY!!!...oops, sorry, I'm way off topic.
Have you ever thought about doing some shell plans Nick?....like say, 22 to 24 feet, 20 or 21" on the beam?
jgr

: PGJ