Which is better; to construct a boat using a stitch and glue or plywood on frame construction method? The answer depends on the boat builder’s skills and past experience. Do you have previous woodworking skills? Which type of design do your prefer and how much space will you have to build your boat? To help make an informed choice, all of the methods will be explained, in detail, below.
Examining the method using the stitch and glue technique, this type of boat-building process can only be accomplish by using epoxy, fiberglass and plywood. As a wood choice, plywood panels have been proven to be very strong. When they are cut to size and bonded together, they tend to produce very lightweight structures that display elegant lines. If choosing this method, patterns are first drawn on the plywood, followed by the cutting of panels.
Next, holes are drilled near the edges of each panel and copper wire is threaded through each hole. The wire is then twisted together, which forms a “snitch”. This process is implemented to hold the entire hull together. As an alternative, some builders choose to use tie wraps of electrical wire as a substitution for the copper wire. Still others choose to use various staples, tapes, and other materials to secure panel edges. Whichever type of material you choose, make sure it is durable, and sturdy enough to handle the task at hand.
After holes have been drilled and wire has been threaded, it is time to apply the epoxy. Placed inside of the hull, so fiberglass edges can bond together, epoxy must be the right consistency. This is achieved through the use of micro-spheres, silica, and other thickening agents, allowing the fillet to retain its shape. The fillet glues the 2 panels together and helps smoothes out the hull’s transition, so loads can be transferred without incurring stress concentrations that may lead to cracks. When ready, fillets are covered with fiberglass tape designed to increase the hull’s strength and help maximize the boat’s durability as well as longevity.
When the boat has cured, it will need to be flipped over and have the copper wires cut. The just as performed on the inside, the same procedure needs to be repeated on the hull’s outside using the thickened epoxy; covering the boat’s joint with fiberglass and the epoxy mixture. In the end, the joint will be stronger than the wood found on either side of the joint. Based upon tests, if not treating the plywood to make it stronger, it will break much earlier than the joint; especially when loaded. Because your time is very valuable and safety is very important, make sure you do not cut corners or eliminate steps, as all of your hard work will be for nothing and you could be putting your life at risk.
