foam kayak
Moderator: ttownshaw
foam kayak
I cut a kayak out of a block of foam, this is a 10 foot sit on top kayak, Now how would I go about fiber glassing it? what type of cloth would I use and how many layers would be needed for it to be strong enough? any and all information would be greatly appreciated. thank you
Re: foam kayak
usually there is some support lent to the foam thru a stringer(s) running the length of the hull. i do not think you could get enough strength from just a few layers of cloth.
(insert Witty phrase here)
Billy's Belle Isle website
Billy's Belle Isle website
Re: foam kayak
Most epoxy's eat foam. You would need a foam safe epoxy.
Re: foam kayak
what would you recommend putting inside of it for support? I'm going to use West System epoxy because it will not destroy the foam.
if I cut the foam block what should I put inside it for support. what if I cut it in half put a piece of fiberglass mat on both sides and put it back together? I want this thing to be as light as possible but also strong enough. thank you for your comments keep them coming please. Thank you
if I cut the foam block what should I put inside it for support. what if I cut it in half put a piece of fiberglass mat on both sides and put it back together? I want this thing to be as light as possible but also strong enough. thank you for your comments keep them coming please. Thank you
Re: foam kayak
...one more post and you can then attach a picture for us. 

(insert Witty phrase here)
Billy's Belle Isle website
Billy's Belle Isle website
Re: foam kayak
It's expanding rigid urethane foam is a closed cell, pourable foam, which will resist the absorption of water
Kayak of Foam
they build kayaks out of hollow plastic with injection molding. I was thinking that fiberglass would be stronger than plastic so cutting a kayak out of foam block and coating it with fiberglass I was thinking should work I was hoping someone could help me out with what type of fiberglass and how many layers would be strong enough.
Re: foam kayak
Many years ago when I was a kid we had a 10 or 12 foot sailboat that was entirely made out of foam with a piece of wood across it for the mast step. It had no fiberglass on it. We sailed it for two or three years until a wind storm caught it and broke it in half. Maybe a couple layers of 6 oz cloth with minimum resin would work. Im not sure if it would be any lighter than a wood one.
John Amundsen
Monte Carlo
Lakeland,Fl
Work tends to get in the way of boat building
Monte Carlo
Lakeland,Fl
Work tends to get in the way of boat building
Re: foam kayak
yep, had one of those sailboats too
think it was called a Snark?
was thinking more on the line of my windsurfing surf boards foam composite construction where they are vacuum bagged and makes a very solid light hull.
lots of info out there for building those so Google is your friend


was thinking more on the line of my windsurfing surf boards foam composite construction where they are vacuum bagged and makes a very solid light hull.
lots of info out there for building those so Google is your friend


(insert Witty phrase here)
Billy's Belle Isle website
Billy's Belle Isle website
Re: foam kayak
Great info guys. Thanks alot for the help and anything else you may have I'd love to hear.
Re: foam kayak
Yep, we still have one of those Snark foam sailboats. Probably hasn't seen water since I last sailed it 15 years ago.