PS Columba

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

A fibreglass covered foam hull, leaving most of the foam in would get my vote. As a one off it makes sense and also provides maximum stiffness for the minimum weight.

My fear on something like this project would be a lack of propulsion….only noticeable once you put it in the water…?

Ashley

[Alasdair AllanParticipant @alasdairallan37423]

Thanks Ashley – This method gets my vote too! I have built a couple of working paddlers before (only about two thirds of the size of this one, admitedly) and think I have a plan.  she is so long and thin that a 12 volt motor should hopefuly produce a decent speed, but I will exagerate the depth a little so that I leave draft for a bigger battery and motor if that proves necessary. Will gear down to about 200rpm in the water. But I sense this one will take a long time!

[Alasdair AllanParticipant @alasdairallan37423]

Actually Ashley, while you are there…. I have been looking up everything I can find on utube about fibre glass.  I take it that, if I am using insulation foam, I don’t actually need all the fancy stuff with gel coats and release agents, as am not really trying to release the foam from the hull anyway, just excavating a space in it for the engine compartment?

[Alasdair AllanParticipant @alasdairallan37423]

A slow start but finally making progress. My first attempt at a fibreglass hull. My mate Rob and me finally got the plug to part from the new (six foot) hull. Much tidying and filling to do, not least to create sharper bows and stern, but the basic process seems to work!

[Alasdair AllanParticipant @alasdairallan37423]

[Alasdair AllanParticipant @alasdairallan37423]

Apologiesif you get these posts twice. As usual, am struggling to get into this site. It Used to reject my phone but eventually accept my laptop. Now vice versa!

 

[Alasdair AllanParticipant @alasdairallan37423]

[Alasdair AllanParticipant @alasdairallan37423]

After many delays, my mate Rob and me have got a rough and ready hull for Columba moulded from fibre glass. First time I have attempted this, and now much trimming, filling and sanding needed. As well as sharpening of bow and stern. But We now have a 6ft fibre glass hull to work with!

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