On Wed, 13 Oct 2004 18:34:51 -0500, Jack Rogers wrote:

Hello--

I'm building an optimist dinghy for my son out of okoume plywood. He'll
be racing it, so its important that the boat come out at the class
minimum weight. Can anybody recommend a glass tape (and supplier) to use
on the seams? I want something light weight that won't soak up a bunch
of epoxy. This is a tiny boat (7.5 ft) sailed by kids, so loads are
relatively light.

Thanks for any advice!

Jack

Actually the question is a little strange. Do you like to reduce strength?

Some ways
# use lite weight (thin) glass cloth wich will absorb less epoxi. (all
waeves are intended for ~55%weave - 45% matrix
# use not as wide tapes....

Less glass weight = less reinforcement.
not as wide tapes = possible delamination.

AND ...the chines are the most stressed part of a hull and because of that
THIS is the most stupid place to save weight!


Morgan