Bamboo boats

[DavidMJordan]

Bamboo is obviously an excellent material for boat-building and is used for rafts in Asia but does anuyone know of it's use in more complex designs.

Originally Posted by DavidMJordan

Bamboo is obviously an excellent material for boat-building and is used for rafts in Asia but does anuyone know of it's use in more complex designs.

Unfortunately it is by no means even a good material, let alone excellent. Cheap it is, thats all.

We have had that topic several times here, a Forum search might enlighten you.

Regards
Richard

Oh yes, and welcome here!

[DavidMJordan]

I've seen the threads about bamboo but I'm intrigued by it's raft- building properties. Each length has ten or more watertight compartments which makes it virtually unsinkable. Does it split in salt water? Degrade in other ways?

Originally Posted by DavidMJordan

I've seen the threads about bamboo but I'm intrigued by it's raft- building properties. Each length has ten or more watertight compartments which makes it virtually unsinkable. Does it split in salt water? Degrade in other ways?

Well for rafts it is not the worst choice of course. But you referred to modern techniques!

It does not split in salt water, but it deteriorates pretty fast when it is used in logs. When split and processed it lasts longer.
The content of mould, spores and bacteria is horrendously high in the log, that makes it a bad choice.

Regards
Richard