Bob La Londe wrote:
I've noticed most of the major bass boat mfgs have gone to all fiberglass
composite construction. After see more than a few rotted out wood transoms
on boats a lot less than 20 years old I can understand why. It seems like a
lot of them are down here in the desert. You would not think it, but the
heat and the dry seem to be harder on the wood than anything.

Anyway, are there any sources for those types of materials for one off
construction for backyard builders?

All I have seen so far for totally rot free construction for the small boat
builder is aluminum. Not an easy backyard technique for somebody who hasn't
gotten some training on aluminum welding and a decent invest ment in a good
heliarc welder. (Durafix rods not withstanding. LOL)

Yes, I have been reading all about encapsulation and sealing all
penetrations etc, and I appreciate the offciandos on wood construction, but
I am not asking about that. I've read this group and most of the websites
for the a couple of years now, and I am fascinated by boat building
techniques.

I am asking about all fiberglass composite construction, and if there are
reasonable options for the backyard builder.

www.bateau.com's online store sells Renicell foam in 2" thickness,
which is a high density foam specifically designed for composite
transoms. If you're looking to build the whole boat in foam/glass be
prepared to pay roughly 2x as for a plywood/composite boat.

Evan Gatehouse