Alternative Cores?

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ncsailors
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Alternative Cores?

Post by ncsailors »

At the risk of being politically incorrect - in<BR>2002 are there alternative "core" materials,<BR>one could employ in S&G boats - besides<BR>plywood? I know plywood is strong, has<BR>many layers, and has been around for<BR>60 years - but are there other cores that <BR>anyone is trying? Like 1/4" kevlar, or<BR>1/4" carbon fiber material - or ???????<BR>What are the "research" boat designers<BR>dreaming up for us amateur boat<BR>builders? As long as we could epoxy & <BR>S&G it - perhaps there´s a better mouse<BR>trap out there somewhere? <IMG SRC="images/forum/icons/icon_cool.gif">

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JimW
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Alternative Cores?

Post by JimW »

Absolutely you could use a core of 1/4 inch kevlar or carbon fiber. But the core material cost would be five or six thousand dollars (instead of $1,500) and the boat would weigh 6,000 pounds instead of 1,500. Foam panels are a better choice but are better suited for larger boats ~25 feet or more. Nothing around that is so strong, yet bendable, and takes epoxy and glass well and easily worked by home builders and is as inexpensive as good old plywood. Core materials are designed just to provide something for the two skins to adhere to and to separate the two skins by the distance required to achieve the design strength. Plywood, balsa wood and foam have been the best historically. For home building Jacques chooses the one that home builders will have the easiest time working with and purchasing. "Thinking out of the box" is ok, ... but "trying" out of the box without first thinking out of the box is a no-no.<BR><BR>Jim
Jim Wright
CC, D15, SC16, C19

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Alternative Cores?

Post by jacquesmm »

Search our archives with the words "core" or "sandwich". This has been discussed many times.
Jacques Mertens - Designer
http://boatbuildercentral.com

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