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> I was going to 'glass my hull tonight, but found that the Raka epoxy burps
> more than the System Three I'm used to (probably due to lower viscosity)
> when pumped, so I'm on hold until tomorrow when I can get some measuring
> cups.
> The extra 'football'-shaped patch of cloth on the lower hull seems to be
> fairly standard on strippers -- Nick recommends them in his book and Jay
> Babina uses them on the Outer Island. But Pygmy/CLC only include a keel
> strip in addition to the usual 6-oz. layer on the hull. So what gives?
> Given that this patch is more for abrasion resistance than strength, are
> strippers more concerned with scraping rocks than stitchers are? I've got
> one more day to procrastinate on my decision to go with or without that
> 'football' on my Outer Island...
> Dean
What conditions do you usually paddle in? Deep water or shallow? Do you launch from a dock or a beach? Is the beach sandy or rocky?
If you are not launching from a rocky beach and paddling in mostly shallow water (where you are likely to hit sharp rocks) then forget the football and go with a single layer of cloth. If you are going to worry about dings, then cut your worries by adding an addtional layer of glass fabric.
You can always add this additional layer later. Why not build without it, and add it next year if you find you have deep scratches. You can put it on when you touch up the hull in the spring before launching, or in the fall, when you put the boat away for the winter.
Hope this helps
Paul G. Jacobson
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Guillemot Kayak - High
Performance Wooden Sea Kayak Designs
