Kevlar Canoe Building using a Female Plug - Help

Hey

I am working on learning how to build a kevlar canoe, but all of the information I can find on the process uses a Male plug system.

I have an old fibreglass female plug that that an old timer I know designed and used to build fibreglass canoes with, which I would like to use both for sentimental and practical (its already made and ready to go) purposes.

Could anyone help me out by pointing me in the direction of some good resources for how this is done. Or just go ahead and explain to me if the process would be much different from simply replacing fibreglass fabric with kevlar and maintaining the same overall process.

Also if anyone could help me out with coring, that is a new concept for me and I am pretty unsure if it is even possible or practical for a home-build operation.

Thanks

 

This book, although from the seventies, (but updated in the eighties) will give you all the info you need to make some boats. (Used copies from $8) It covers resins, cloths, processes, lamination schedules and all is explained in language people new to it all can understand.
http://www.amazon.com/Boatbuilders-Manual-Charles-C-Walbridge/dp/0897320220



BTW, what you have is a mold, not a plug and by having the mold you have eliminated 3/4 of the work involved in making boats.

If you scroll to the bottom of this page you will see other threads about what you want to do, and if you search (especially in the 'fiberglass and composite boatbuilding' section), there is a lot more. Use terms like molds, moldmaking, canoes, kayaks, etc.

 

Gooday 'Canuck' - Weller - How's your search for info going?? There is much to learn before you start - that is if you wish to get it 1/2 right on the first go. With the costs of materials so high - it's a great idea to understand each & every step in the process long before you start. I was playing with 'plastics' just next door - in B.C. many years ago & have spent my life involved in the 'Reinforced Plastics Industry'. Good fortune in your search for info & do - please keep us informed. Ciao, james

 

Before you build the kevlar canoe it might be helpful to build a basic glass version.You will be able to get a better understanding of the quirks of your particular hull shape at less expense.It is also a lot easier to work with than kevlar.Good luck with the project.

 

WellerJ,

try joining the Yahoo group for kevlar canoes.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KevlarCanoe/

Good luck

Allan

 

Haha.. the confidence in me is inspiring, perhaps a fibreglass option is wise.. but perhaps a challenge is worth it, I'll keep learning before I decide. Thanks for the help folks.

 

WellerJ,

Working with kevlar is only slightly more more difficult than fiberglass and easily within anyones reach.

Differences:

1. Cutting kevlar requires special scissors and a bit more time.

2. Wetting out Kevlar takes a bit more care because it does not turn transparent when wet out.

3. Attempts to conventionally sand kevlar will cause it to fuzz up into a unpleasant scruffy mess, rough enough to take the skin off your knuckles in a flash.