JEM Watercraft

I would really appreciate any comments on the following. I have almost decided on building a Sabalo. In my middle seventies longevity of the boat is not as important to me as its weight. Silly to plan too many clean shirts ahead. I would be using Gaboon 4mm marine ply and a local epoxy ('Bote Cote'. I live in Australia.) I'm planning on skipping glass altogether, apart from the seams, of course. I would saturate the entire canoe, inside & out. Looking forward to any input. Bobbo.

Because of the frames, you should be ok if you don't push the limits of of the kayak. Be careful not to get it hung up like a teeter-totter on a rock. Repair scrapes right away, etc.

However, the cockpit floor may flex too much under a heavy load so test that out prior to final assembly.

Matt can tell you that I make some light boats and I understand what you are trying to do. If it was me and I am not you so take this with a gain of salt if you would want to.

The cockpit area , glass the floor in it , it will help to stop a lot of wear and tear on it with you getting in and out of it , plus it would help to reduce any flexing if there would be some.

You do not need to use any heavy duty glass just some 2 oz or 3 oz would be nice in the cockpit area. More then one application of the epoxy saturation would also help the wood against scuffing if you don't want to go with the glass. Remember that will be the wear area for you or caused by you.

Chuck.