: Hi all,

: I am 'almost' ready to start my strip Night Heron. Very exciting!

: I have a stock of 3.5mm WRC which I'll be using, and the original plan was to
: strip the boat and then sand very, very carefully so as to not take too
: much off (and use narrow strips to conform to the curves). Then use 200gsm
: (6oz) glass to provide some additonal stiffness.

: But, given I have enough strips for 3 kayaks plus change, and that the
: 'normal' strip thickness is 6mm, I was thinking it may be worth double
: planking it?

: I'd offset the second layer by 1/2 a strip to provide strength, and glue the
: 2 layers together. This would almost give a 'cold-moulded' effect for
: added thickness and strength. Then I'd have a 7mm thick hull which would
: allow a little more relaxed sanding. And I could probably use 130gsm (4oz)
: glass to compensate for the wood weight.

: It won't be (purposefully) hitting rocks or doing rough sea launches, so just
: needs to be strong enough to be safe.

: Any thoughts on double-planking the hull, or do I just go with the thinner
: strips and get another boat out of the wood pile?

: Thanks,
: Darren
: Melbourne, Australia

I'd use one layer of strips and if you were concerned about the strength I'd add a second layer of glass.

A thicker core will make the laminate stiffer, not necessarily stronger. More glass will make it stronger.

Bill H.