Various concerns re carbon and glassing

[ortonomics]

So far I have built the beginnings of my 16'X26" flatwater board. More of a standup kayak really... Anyway I have a load of questions which weigh more and more heavily on my mind the more time and energy I put into the project. The unknown variables could make or break this thing (literally) if I make a mistake along the way.

So far the thickness of the board does more or less a gradual taper from 8" up front to 4-5" at the tail. I have a 6mm PVC foam stringer for rigidity however I am not sure if this will offer any structural support after glassing. And this brings me to the most important, and expensive decision...

I was planning to use carbon for the hull (for stiffness) and glass on the deck. I am not sure of a few things:

What weight carbon cloth should I use?

Would putting a layer of glass over the carbon add in the durability of the hull, or would it just add unnecessary weight? I am not super concerned with weight, I would like the board to be relatively light but I would also like it to last.


I was thinking of using two layers of 6oz glass for the deck. Does that sound good? I am 200 lbs so I want it to support my heavy ass...

Are there any epoxy matrix materials that are better suited to higher heat? It is currently 115 degrees in this hell hole I call a home town, and aside from my concerns about laying up the composites in this climate, I am more concerned with the heat and/or sun destroying this board before its time. I will be storing it in my house however I would like to think I could still use it on hot sunny days without worry. Just out on the water the deck is going to get beaten by sun and heat...

I am planning to install several vent plugs on the board which will help with the gas issue with heat, those greenlight gore tex ones look pretty sweet...

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

[Dwight (DW)]

Use 6 oz carbon. Everything else is too expensive. 4 oz costs more than 6oz.

My guess, the PVC stringer will be good for holding your rocker during lamination and not much good for anything else.

Using just 2 layers of 6 oz glass, my decks soften over time from standing in the same place all the time. As a minimum, I now add a carbon patch in the main standing area. A PVC patch would be better, but it's too much work when throwing down some scrap carbon is easy.

You'll need a lot of slow hardener in those temps! Wow!

I use a 50/50 mix of slow and fast. Hottest I've worked in was 80.

I throw 4oz glass over my carbon layer. It turns out pretty ding proof. I've banged the boards into all kinds of things walking with them in high wind. No dings.

Shoot the board with white primer to protect the carbon. Don't leave it black.

[ortonomics]

Thanks, DW...

Regarding the primer, are you talking about acrylic latex primer? Is that before the hot coat?

[Dwight (DW)]

Thanks, DW...

Regarding the primer, are you talking about acrylic latex primer? Is that before the hot coat?

I use rattle can white latex.