Layer of fibreglass cloth on exterior?

[gsbell]

I'm building a "two-paws" dinghy. Wondering about using a layer of cloth over the exterior of the boat. Is this overkill, or something that is done frequently. I'm interested in keeping it light, and won't apply it if this is just not necessary.

This is my first "stich and glue" project...and the plans aren't very specific about finishing.

I'd be very interested in hearing from others who have built one of the catspaw dinghys.

[Frank Hagan]

Well, I'm not building my boat yet, but I did research this a little. A lot depends on how you're going to use the boat. If you use marine ply, and are not planning on keeping the boat in the water all the time, you can certainly eliminate the fiberglass on the outside. I think the added weight of the glass outweighs the extra abrasion resistance you'll get by having it there.

If you are going without fiberglass, and using marine ply, you also want to make sure its not douglas fir plywood. If it is, you almost always have to put glass cloth on it to prevent checking (cracks through the surface veneers). Okume and Meranti don't have this problem.

[Designer]

I agree with what Frank said. Our 23 year old Catspaw was never glassed and I enjoy its lighter weight every time I carry her. It was well coated in epoxy and was refinished a few years ago.

[seahawk]

if you get glasfiber,2-3layer,first..stand.=200-300g/qm,rowing=300g/qm small=100g/qm now you can find out how more weight your boat..

[Greg Luckett]

I agree with what Frank said. Our 23 year old Catspaw was never glassed and I enjoy its lighter weight every time I carry her. It was well coated in epoxy and was refinished a few years ago.

Graham, what type of marine ply did you use?