Hi,

I'm currently buildng a ply TK1 (similar to a K1 racing kayak, but a little more stable - an Australian racing class).

I was planning on adding graphite to the lower hull panels, as it's 3mm ply with 4oz glass on the outside. Low weight is key. But I paddle in rivers with some flotsam/jetsam and snags, and hitting something at high speed is bound ot happen. I can't afford kevlar or carbon fibre, so was going to go the graphite route.

However, I understand the graphite is mixed into epoxy? Is this correct?

So, does 3 more layers of epoxy - in addition to the 2-3 for wetting out the glass cloth - add much weight? Could the graphite be added to the varnish for the same effect? Or does it need to be in the epoxy?

If it is in epoxy, can I get away with less coats for wetting out, or do I still need to do this fully?

Thanks,
Darren
Melbourne, Australia