attaching wood gunnels to foam sides

Discussion in 'Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building' started by Tungsten, Feb 27, 2014.

  1. Tungsten
    Joined: Nov 2011
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    Tungsten Senior Member

    What the heck are you talking about?Foam same size as wood?
     
  2. groper
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    groper Senior Member

    Yep, composite everything... why go back to the dark ages when your infusing foam core structures and have a lightweight all plastic rot free product?
     
  3. Tungsten
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    Tungsten Senior Member

    Maybe this will help for those that haven't seen a boat like this.

    [​IMG]
    Sides are high in the bow to crash rapids then dip a little to make entry easier,high again for the oarlocks then dip again for the rear fisherperson to enter/exit.


    Groper I've never thought about that.Always thought of wood for the stiffness/toughness and of course the looks.How do you suggest I go about foam gunnels??
     
  4. groper
    Joined: Jun 2011
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    groper Senior Member

    Shape them in foam, glue them on with epoxy or other quality adhesive, then glass over them... simple... If you need extra toughness, then use a high density foam or Coosa board type of product... Once you go composite, never look back :)
     
  5. rwatson
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    rwatson Senior Member

    That will work ok.

    In some cases, put a layer of 6oz cloth on one side of the foam strips before mounting them on the gunnel - it will make it 'self fair' a bit easier, as foam is a bit floppier than timber
     
    Last edited: Mar 3, 2014

  6. Tungsten
    Joined: Nov 2011
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    Tungsten Senior Member

    I guess it would be the glass that wraps around that gives it the stiffness.I'm still on the fence,Gunnels just kinda pop when there a nice wood like 1/4 cut sapele.Rot isn't a factor with being stored indoors and only seeing 20 -30 trips a year.

    Maybe a little bright carbon fiber over the foam, then it gets some bling and is evective?
     
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