Recent content by mds | SouthernPaddler.com

Recent content by mds

  1. M

    Pirogue build in Delaware

    From Wikipedia; Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE or sometimes shortened to UHMW), also known as high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE) or high-performance polyethylene (HPPE), is a subset of the thermoplastic polyethylene. It has extremely long chains, with molecular weight numbering...
  2. M

    Pirogue build in Delaware

    Last weekend I took my son fishing on Sat for a few hours and really enjoyed the time. He didn't really want to fish but didn't complain too much. I went alone on Sunday and even though I found a pond not to fish in :( , still had a great time paddling around in my boat. Both kids are going...
  3. M

    Pirogue build in Delaware

    Here are the photos of the Anti-static UHMW (3/8" thick) parts I added to protect the keel. I used S/S screws for holding power and adhesive sealant to seal them in. Each screw had an undersized pilot hole, then driven in with sealant on the threads starting at the tip. Water should never...
  4. M

    Pirogue build in Delaware

    I added a keel and reenforced the inside to hold it in place.
  5. M

    Pirogue build in Delaware

    Here are some photos. While sanding I saw the blush and after paint with the black paint it stood out enough for a picture. I hope you can see how the next layer of epoxy acted like water on oil. :(
  6. M

    Pirogue build in Delaware

    Back on the page after some time away, :mrgreen: I have been working to finishing up some details. The inside now has yellow porch paint, 4 coats and the interior bottom is getting a truck bed liner coating this week. I have 4 coat of varnish on the outside as well. I went back to the Cabot...
  7. M

    pirogue weight limits

    I was concerned about the same issue as the plan has a 14' boat rated at 336. I skipped the calculations and made a boat the length of approx two plys, 15-6 and added a compartment front and back. I figured this reduced the interior volume and added floation at the same time. It also looks...
  8. M

    Pirogue build in Delaware

    The wife saw me reading this page and told me one boat was all we had room for. I told her not to worry, I'm not making another one, "this year" :wink: . I really like the strip boats :D but I plan on waiting until the kids can help more. I have some finishing to do this winter and plan to...
  9. M

    Pirogue build in Delaware

    I found them on Ebay under "deck hatch". I bought 6" beacause I got a good deal. I think 4" would work but the 6" is a better size. I just checked and Cabela's also has them, $12.99, with 3 colors.
  10. M

    Pirogue build in Delaware

    Re: Pirogue build in Delaware-Launch So I went to Lowe's and told the sales person about my trouble and asked for a recommendation on poly. I went home and put a coat on. As it was drying I came in and starting reading the post in General. I saw a post asked the question about varnish vs...
  11. M

    Pirogue build in Delaware

    After waiting 3 days for the epoxy to fully cure I scratched up the epoxy coat with 150 sand paper then did a good wipe down with acetone to remove any remaining blush. The varnish is Cabot Gloss Spar Varnish from Lowe's. Even after scraping most of the varnish off yesterday and today being...
  12. M

    Pirogue build in Delaware

    Ran into a problem during the 1st coat of varnish. After a light sand I put on the varnish, that was Tuesday. Today is Sat and it is still tacky over about 80% of the area covered. I tried acetone to wipe it off with no luck. As I am launching tomorrow, I used scrapper, steel wool and sand...
  13. M

    Pirogue build in Delaware

    I am on the home stretch for launch next week. :D :D :D I completed the bottom graphite and then the sides last week. I installed 3/8" dowels every 6" along the length of the rub rail, 72 in all. It took some time but I think it will improve the strength of the rails because the dowel goes...
  14. M

    Pirogue build in Delaware

    Put another graphite/epoxy coat on last night and used a squeege to pop the air bubbles. This seemed to eliminate most of them. My son was to help with the drill for the rubrail dowels but he got so into paddling and fishing in the garage that I didn't get much of anything done. He was having...
  15. M

    Pirogue build in Delaware

    Resistance is futile, because when mommy isn’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. :!: :wink: