I'm still collecting information before I attempt to build a kayak and have many questions. I have been reading the pro's and cons of s glass , carbon , kevlar and a mix of all and i'm trying to work out what would be best where. So far I thinking the best for strength to weight would be S glass on the outside with a carbon kevlar inside?? I know S is not as clear but stronger for the same weight. So a few questions for a strip baidarka that will see open ocean with surf landings
1. What would be the ultimate layup for strength to weight?
2.Vacuum bagging inside and out will save how much weight?
3.slanting the bulkheads to allow for some flex??( I was thinking to line the whole inside in 1 piece first ,then use carbon kevlar tape for the inside seams and fitting of the bulkheads.
4. Will cutting wood out of the bulkhead just leaving an "X" of wood in the middle and laying 1 layer of kevlar over the whole thing make it lighter than wood alone? Yes it will , sorry just answered my own question. Has any one done this ?
5.Zurcon??? A very well respected kayak maker here in Australia is offering this as a strip (I assume a rubbing strip) Has any one heard of this? I was thinking of just using Leading edge tape as I have in the past as a rubbly strip and still will use it around tow cleats and where the paddle hit the deck near my feet etc.
6. best coaming style for USE not just looks. I love the idea of a full recessed coaming like in the discussion a little further down but I think it would be too slow to use when your launching through surf. What the general thought on that?
7. I cant think of 7 ....brain overload!!
Can I just say ahead of time ....you guys are fantastic with the amount of info and help you all provide on this forum and I just want to say Thanks!
Tim