5.2mm vs 6mm ply?

**JJMc** · 1st December 2010, 01:34 PM

So I'm wanting to build a Handy Punt and Quick canoe, but the plywood shop that's less than 2 hours distant only has 5.2 mm and 12 mm. 12 I'm sure is too heavy. Is 5.2 too thin for these boats?
"Not with a layer of glass and epoxy" I expect to hear, but I want to stay light, and there is NO epoxy resin in Ecuador. Another boat builder in the capital, Quito, imported some from Colombia. USD $100/gallon, bit precious.
I'm not concerned with longevity, but I do want these to stay afloat on calm water, no rocks to worry about. Waterproof glue, and I'll probably skip the polyester resin although it is available and cheap here.
TIA, Jerry

**pdr311** · 2nd December 2010, 03:25 AM

5.2mm ply is fine. That is the thickness of lauan underlayment plywood available here in North America, and most of the Puddleduck Racers are built from that material. I would not hesitate building with that material. It may not be long lasting, but if it is available, and inexpensive, that would fit the criteria for a QuickCanoe.
I would still use polyester resin and tape for the chines of the canoe, it is how the plans are drawn up, and is an effective way to put one together.

Rick.

**Boatmik** · 2nd December 2010, 03:03 PM

If using waterproof glue rather than epoxy I would recommend glass taping the chines using polyester resin. You will get a longer troublefree life.

Just a 2" tape.

With a non epoxy sealed boat I try to store them upside down if they are not being used for a while.

I think you are the first builder from Ecuador. We've had a few from South America - Argentina, Brazil, Chile.

So welcome!

MIK

**JJMc** · 2nd December 2010, 10:56 PM

Thanks Mik. Polyester resin is available here-- not glass tape though, and definitely not biaxial. Anywho, I can do the chines with resin.
The punt is looking like the best option for us. We plan to row-- not far to go, the mountain lakes here are small. Recommendation for oar length?
Jerry

**Boatmik** · 3rd December 2010, 08:56 AM

Hi Jerry.

The polyester resin by itself,unlike epoxy, doesn't have many useful properties when used by itself. If you can't get glass tape locally duckworks could post it to you. Doesn't need to be biaxial.

Another way would be.to buy some 200 gsm (6 oz) glass cloth and cut it into strips with a carpet knife and a ruler.

Best wishes Michael

**Boatmik** · 3rd December 2010, 09:10 AM

There is a surfboard maker in Ecuador. They might know or be able to supply glass
Balsa Flite - Balsa Surfboards made in Equador by Skip "Andreas" Kozminski on the Pacific coast.

**PAR** · 3rd December 2010, 04:48 PM

Cut the cloth on a 45 degree bias and you'll have a materiel that will drape much better then the straight cut stuff and all of the fibers, not just half of them will cross the seam, making for a stronger joint with no extra work or additional weight . . .

**JJMc** · 3rd December 2010, 11:47 PM

Mik: Yes, with glass of course. I didn't intend to use resin alone... and I'll cut cloth which is available here. Want to be finished before Christmas, and Ecuador post is... lacking.

PAR: Thanks for the reminder, will cut at 45 degrees. I've done quite a bit of fiberglass repair as a sailing instructor years ago. Happy to be working with wood now.

Jerry

**Boatmik** · 4th December 2010, 04:59 PM

Cut it just before you need it. With the bias (45deg) cutting it does change shape very easily - so cut and then put in position on the boat.

MIK

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