Hi Reuben,

I too considered making a boat around a foam plug (except I want a K1). I was going to build it from either Dow or OC extruded polystyrene (blueboard or pinkboard, respectively). I have decided to try to build a strip WW kayak. I can build forms that I can reuse if I want to build another. If I were to build from foam, I'd have to go through the shaping-process all over. I also think I can build a stronger, lighter kayak with the strip method.

As for your question, though, extruded polystyrene is very weather-resistant, so I wouldn't worry about it being water-damaged, it does, however, compress and gouge fairly easily. Glassing it with 6 oz. glass should be enough for normal use.

Shawn

> Thanks for the rapid response! I think I will try the strip method also,
> but the C1 I envisioned and have sketched out is about 8 feet long and
> 29" wide at the cockpit. The design is more along the lines of a topo
> rather short and stubby. This would eliminate the long thin drooping ends
> ( I think).

> What about using the insulation board foam to build a plug. Cutting out
> the cockpit and then glassing it in. This would isolate the foam from
> water damage.

> Thanks again,

> Reuben Watkins