) writes:

What I was thinking is to pre-make flat GRP panels (gelcoated on one
side) and then build the canoe in a stitch and glue type method with
these.

yes, it can be done. TF Jones writes about building a plywood skiff
design (16 ft Dobler on his website www.jonesboats.com) that way.
however, the result will be much heavier than doing the same thing in
plywood.

he laid up the GRP panels on masonite to get a smooth surface on the
outside of the boat. I think he used wax to keep the resin from
sticking. He put the panels together with polyester, spreading a
thickened, uncatalyzed poylester filet, then covering with strips of
fibreglass cloth saturated and "wetted out" with catalysed polyester
resin. When I've put catalysed polyester over uncatalyzed it has taken
overnight to cure through.


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