: Strengthe could be aproblem. Strip built hulls are generally weaker than S&G
: ones, but at least they get some strength from the curved shape. If you
: try to glue strips into flat panels that little bit of support goes away.

: So before embarking on this project, how about a little test: fiberglass a 4
: mm piece of plywood of 6" x 1' on both sides, support them on both
: sides by bricks and verify that it will hold your weight. I did this
: myself when I weighed 200 lbs (I used 6 oz fiberglass). Then, try the same
: with a stripped panel of the same size (6" strips glued in the width
: direction) and same amount of fiberglass. Slowly add on weight until it
: breaks.

: I suspect it will carry a great deal less. Keep in mind that it also has to
: withstand the significant S&G forces. Of course you could add on more
: fiberglass at the cost of weight. Then decide if it still worth trying.
: HTH,

: Henk

Hi Henk,
You are correct yet incorrect. Your example would be correct, but in a kayak the panels are constrained by the adjacent panels.
Both pieces have the same dimensions, both 6" side and 4mm thick with a single layer of 6oz glass on each side. With the weight difference between ply and cedar, there would be no weight cost in another layer of 6oz to the cedar panel, significantly increasing its rigidity and strength.

Black Pearls are pretty hard chined and there haven't been any reports of weakness.

Mike Savage
South West Cork