kevlar Fiberglass john/flats boat Newb ?s

Discussion in 'Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building' started by Missouriflies, Mar 8, 2012.

  1. Missouriflies
    Joined: Mar 2012
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    Location: St. Louis

    Missouriflies Junior Member

    Hi, I'm an avid fly fisherman in the St. Louis, MO area and Im looking for a little feedback . I've been fishing from my kayak for the last 3 years and am very interested in making a boat. I'm looking for something Light that one man can carry...Ideally it would weigh no more than 50lbs. I'm thinking it would be like a small john boat...flat bottom, maybe with some attachable/removable outriggers if need be, with dimensions of 3' x 12'. I like small and portable. My yak is 12-13 ft long and is perfect size for being able to follow large fish around the boat when they circle me (Carp can get big) total load would be about 250lb max...it would be cool to do a two person so i could guide but lets leave that for now. One last thing, I do drag my yak sometimes to reach water and I also encounter rocky conditions durring access and floating.
    I have a couple of questions perhaps someone could help me with.
    -Can you bring up any issues/difficulties with my idea.
    Would this be a "simple" build or more complex than a canoe?
    -Can anyone point me towards any resources regarding composite john boats...
    or point me in any direction at all? I see lots of stuff on canoes but never john boats.
    -What sort of time and cost am I looking at minimum
    -Materials recomendations
    -(where to start on this project)
    Thank you so much
    -Chris
    here's an image of my yak...standing up is a must...Im thining a cross between this and john boat would be nice.
    [​IMG]
     
  2. Rich M
    Joined: Jan 2004
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    Rich M Junior Member

    check out the Hybrid duck boats...google it. He's got a 10 ft version that can be stood in without any problems.

    I'm wanting to build a composite version but need to learn the composite stuff first.
     
  3. Missouriflies
    Joined: Mar 2012
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    Missouriflies Junior Member

    Yeah that's almost exactly what i was thinking but without the top cap. [​IMG]
    cool thanks for your help with that.

    anyone know how much of a pain something like this would be in composites, just the standard jon boat shape not top cap....thanks
     
  4. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
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    gonzo Senior Member

    You can make it lighter in plywood. Flat panels are not the best use of fiberglass. A foam core with a thin skin could work, but won't be too puncture or abrasion resistant.
     
  5. Missouriflies
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    Missouriflies Junior Member

    Can you elaborate on that? no good for carbon/kevlar either? why...thanks
     
  6. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
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    gonzo Senior Member

    Flat panels need to be thick to attain rigidity. To do that, you can use a lightweight core like foam or balsa. However, to keep weight down, the skin has to be really thin. For the use you indicated, a thin skin won´t last long. A thick skin will not give you any weight savings. Plywood also has the advantage of being easy to repair in the field. All you need are some 1/8" squares of plywood and drywall screws.
     
  7. Missouriflies
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    Missouriflies Junior Member

    Ok good to know thank you for your help
     
  8. Missouriflies
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    Missouriflies Junior Member

    If constructing with ply wood...does the surface need to be glassed or is marine grade plywood all a guy needs. how long would that last? 3-4 weeks on the water a year total, outdoor storage.. weight critical
     
  9. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
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    gonzo Senior Member

    With alkyd enamel on it, the boat will last a few decades. Waterproofing with epoxy first is not a bad idea.
     
  10. Missouriflies
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    Missouriflies Junior Member

    How much abuse would this thing take....do I need to be really concerend about hitting rocks dragging it over rocks? Would rocks be treated as total no go zones?
    thanks..
    maybe i could attach a pvc or poly propylene skid sheet?
     

  11. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
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    gonzo Senior Member

    PVC is heavy which you say you don't want. Anything can be broken, but three or four aluminum strips in the bottom will help prevent some of the chafing.
     
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