Kevlar?

[beekeeper]

Has anybody used kevlar cloth instead of fiberglass for building a boat?
Has anybody used a kevlar or a wood/kevelar boat?
How scratch/puncture/gouge/ resistant(tuff) is it compared to glass?

beekeeper

 

[beekeeper]

Any input from anybody?
I was wondering if the added cost would be worth while at least for the bottom.

beekeeper

 

[beekeeper]

First time not to receive an answer, so I'll ask another one.
Has any one used Xynole cloth for abrasion protection?
Did it add a lot of weight and was it hard to apply?
How well did it work?

beekeeper

 

[oldsparkey]

I understand that besides Kevlar being rather costly it is also a sucker to work with. No personal experience just what I have heard.

 

[beekeeper]

Chuck I have heard the same, but sometimes a little more money and work = value or better results. I guess it is probably not worth the time and money or builders would be using it more.
I know swampwood once built an all Kevlar canoe and was very pleased, but I'm not that talented nor into that kind of building.

bee

 

[texastom]

Beekeeper,

There is a guy (RealBigReel) on TKF that has built a number of "experimental" boats, including one with Balsa wood and Kevlar. Here is the link to that build: http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/foru ... t=ultimate

He does a good job describing the build, so you might find something useful there. Or maybe send him a note with specific questions.

 

[beekeeper]

Thanks Tom. Guess I need to expand my research.

bee