Whenever we get to one of these "How low can he go?" discussions, i have
several reactions .

We try to argue that a particular material is substandard and will not perfom
reliably or for long. Deaf ears.

Occasionally we try humor, like the Crowbar FAQ . Duh.

Let me try another approach.
We have here a lot of people who know little about boats or their engineering.
THEY HAVE AN EASY ENOUGH TIME KILLING THEMSELVES IN BOATS WITHOUT THE HELP OF
AMATEUR YAHOOS ADVOCATING THE USE OF DOORSKINS, WALLPAPER PASTE, AND
INDOOR-RATED GLUE. IT IS IRRESPONSIBLE TO ADVOCATE TO THE USE OF MATERIALS
WHICH HAVE BEEN DEMONSTRATED TO BE INADEQUATE. PEOPLE CAN DIE WHEN THEIR
BOATS FALL APART.

End of rant.

Seasons greetings,
Jim




"P.C. Ford" wrote:

On 20 Jan 2004 15:50:22 GMT, (William R.
Watt) wrote:

P.C. Ford ) writes:

......and is not a marine glue.

"marine glue"? its water resistent, not water proof. the label on the tube
says not to use it in construction "below grade". however plastic resin
glue is also water resistent and not water proof

The fact of the matter is that the criterion that determines Mr. Watts
choice of materials is the horrible agony which he undergoes when he
extends his right arm in the direction of the pocket in which he keeps
his wallet.

If epoxy were a dollar cheaper than polyester, he would use it.
If Sikaflex were a dollar cheaper than "Liquid Nails", he would use
it.

He is interested in building a boat (or something that resembles a
boat) for the least possible amount. He has bragged about building a
boat for $17.35 CDN. Endurance, beauty and safety are a distant second
in his requirements.

I have done boat restoration for a living (such as it is) for about 30
years. About 95% of the time, my clients know very little about boats.
I do things which will extend the endurance, beauty and safety of the
boat and that my clients will never see or know about.

Of course, there are many levels of finish and workmanship. The paint
job and fits which are appropriate on a 19th century sailing canoe
would not be required or even appropriate on a wooden barge.

However, to cut all corners in order to build a boat for the least
possible investment as your main criterion is, (and I am not soley
criticizing Mr. Watt) frankly disgusting.

Very few non-professional boatbuilders actually have to or need to
build a boat. They do it as a hobby; it's something they do for
pleasure. I cannot fathom why someone would take pleasure in doing it
for absolutely least possible amount of money. I suppose it is another
example of the careless throwaway nature of what we call western
civilization.

But the important thing is that it just doesn't look like fun to me.
Can't understand this kind of reasoning.