So I actually built something quite similar (same materials, different plans) about five years back. Great experience and a lot of fun to paddle around in the nearby marshlands.
All told I spent just over $100 and the project took about 2 long weekends. I used fiberglass to cover the exterior and the boat is still in great shape today (though sadly underused).
Comments
So I actually built something quite similar (same materials, different plans) about five years back. Great experience and a lot of fun to paddle around in the nearby marshlands.
All told I spent just over $100 and the project took about 2 long weekends. I used fiberglass to cover the exterior and the boat is still in great shape today (though sadly underused).
How much does it weigh?
I'm not sure, it was easy enough to carry by just myself, so the fiberglass weight wasn't significant.
According to this chart: http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/attachments/fiberglass-comp...
The fiberglass weight would be under 3lbs.
For the plywood - 3 pounds per square foot per inch of thickness according to APA Plywood Design Specification so
= .25 thickness * 8 width * 4 height * 3 lbs
= 32/4 * 3
= 8 * 3
= 24lbs plywood weight
So I'd say the boat was between 25-30lbs and that feels about right.
That's quite light, considering my cannondale mtn bike is ~25-30 lbs.
Still, I'd love to see what additions such as AeroGel powders and carbon nanotube fibers would do to the weight of a rigid boat such as a canoe.
I think another design challenge would be a fold-able plastic one ala camping flatware (http://www.orikaso.com/)