im going to be doing some prototyping on a strip build paddle board, it is a bit of a unique design, not really surfboard based as the majority of what you see out there are. i am using basic dimensions of production SUP boards as a baseline, so i might get lucky and get the stability and maneuverability right the first time, but i really don't want to waste the materials on an "experiment", it is just for personal use too so there is no "investment" here for later return. in the future i may mess around with my own kayak, mostly because i enjoy building and adjusting as opposed to just building from plans.
my thought was to use cheap white wood for my strips, then just a couple good coats of varnish, or some sort of sealer?? i feel like the thing only needs to hold up in the water for a couple sessions to know if adjustments need to be made. or maybe if i do need the strength of at least some fiberglass i would use polyester resin since its cheaper than epoxy. again prototyping so not worried about looks or long term.
any shared experiences or suggestions would be appreciated.
Prototype
One method that's been used in the past is to build an under-size 'core boat' - usually with plywood S&G, and glue foam to that core.
Shape the foam, test, re-shape, test, etc....
that is an interesting…
that is an interesting approach, especially for a kayak or canoe shape i can see where that would work.
i have been considering making a foam prototype of the paddle board, i was struggling with how to make it stiff enough without kinda committing to a center "rib" shape. making some sort of plywood rectangular "box" for a core surrounded by foam may be the answer there, same concept as the "smaller core boat".