On Tue, 11 Jan 2005 09:11:30 -0600, "Pop"
vaguely proposed a theory
.......and in reply I say!:

remove ns from my header address to reply via email

I have read enough to scrap this idea, will go with exterior grade plywood.
Thanks

As was said, a lot depends on your usage, but 3/8" of anything for a
16 x 8 barge is probably not enough. It _might_ be OK with full
fibreglass sheathing, both sides. Might. A barge is by nature of its
shape a fairly weak structure, and the skin is very flat and prone to
bending. You will at least need lots of frames.

To give you a (rough) idea

http://www.duckboats.net/dewald1.htm

Shows a 13' by 5' boat using 3/8" ply. You would need to step up from
that quite a bit. His boat has chines and a keel, and the shape will
stiffen it.

Oh. And don't listen to his bit about glass mat being stronger faster.
Cloth is way stronger per weight. Mat was used a lot to bulk up boats
that were glass only. It is resin-rich and not strong.

Also try http://www.devlinboat.com/dcduckboats.htm. They use sheathed
1/2" for a similar sized boat to yours. BUt these are tough boats, for
choppy conditions.

I have never hunted a duck! This just seemed the sort of size and
materials you were looking at.