Re: Endpour Issues...

Posted by LeeG on Oct 26, 2005

Prior to the Chesapeakes the sheer clamps ran to the edge with the ends taper cut allowing the panels to come together. That provides an obvious gluing surface for the ends of the deck upon installation. Nearly all composite (glass/ester resin) whitewater and sea kayaks had an end pour as the deck/hull seam couldn't be joined well (inaccessible) and the nature of thin glass deck/hull required some solid structure. Apparently the two techniques were merged in the earlier CLC kayaks but it's primary function was to afford a solid through hull for a grab loop as well as allow for a roundover. After the Chesapeakes were introducted the sheer clamps were cut short of the ends and it left a gaping triangular hole that invited problem solving. Methinks that the desire to simplify the construction had unintended consequences. I think the rational was that it would make access to the tight ends easier for taping and eliminate a long hand cut. But for the beginning builder they're looking at the ends of the deck and wondering why the deck isn't being glued onto something except the edge of the 4mm ply (3/4" wide sheerclamps must be there for a reason) and how will they know the quantity of goop poured into the ends will meet the sheer clamps and not leave the deck/hull seam with only a 4mmedge? Besides the prevalence of overheating with upwards of 8oz of goop makes one want to prevent it the NEXT time around by controlling how much goop goes in the ends. The foreshortened sheerclamps unfortunately invite wasting epoxy to fill the gap. It's really not necessary structurally. You could build it with the sheer clamps going all the way to the ends, cut it on the long direction and put in 2oz of goop and it'll work just fine.

In Response to: Re: Endpour Issues... by Dave on Oct 22, 2005

Replies:

• Re: Endpour Issues... by CLC on Oct 26, 2005
  • Re: Endpour Issues... by LeeG on Oct 26, 2005