angyd83
New member
Hello,
What are viable alternatives to glass in sheathing the exterior of a classic Narai Mk IV Wharram designs wooden catamaran?
Our project is here: The Floating Stories Lab — Voyage ∞ Virage
In the 80s, these boats were sheathed with 'Cas Cover' - nylon sheathing - and resourcinol glue, and seemed to require nil if minimal maintenance and lasted decades.
One builder has suggested we try cas cover with epoxy?
I do wonder if the quality of wood used in the 80s makes a difference to the longevity of cas cover, OR, if cas cover with epoxy on a WBP ply such as Rolpin Fir (which we can get locally here in France) would have good results.
As there is no 'green' boat, we are looking to both cut through greenwashing and ultimately for a trade off in which we build as sustainable as possible with local materials wherever possible, no GRP ideally, but with an objective of minimal maintenance and longevity.
I am aware that nylon is a plastic, but considering the above comments about its longevity (seemingly better than GRP) it may be a viable solution.
We are exploring flax, flax/basalt combo, and hemp, along with bio resins.
Open to receiving proven success stories, warnings, and links to relevant scientific papers
Thank you!
What are viable alternatives to glass in sheathing the exterior of a classic Narai Mk IV Wharram designs wooden catamaran?
Our project is here: The Floating Stories Lab — Voyage ∞ Virage
In the 80s, these boats were sheathed with 'Cas Cover' - nylon sheathing - and resourcinol glue, and seemed to require nil if minimal maintenance and lasted decades.
One builder has suggested we try cas cover with epoxy?
I do wonder if the quality of wood used in the 80s makes a difference to the longevity of cas cover, OR, if cas cover with epoxy on a WBP ply such as Rolpin Fir (which we can get locally here in France) would have good results.
As there is no 'green' boat, we are looking to both cut through greenwashing and ultimately for a trade off in which we build as sustainable as possible with local materials wherever possible, no GRP ideally, but with an objective of minimal maintenance and longevity.
I am aware that nylon is a plastic, but considering the above comments about its longevity (seemingly better than GRP) it may be a viable solution.
We are exploring flax, flax/basalt combo, and hemp, along with bio resins.
Open to receiving proven success stories, warnings, and links to relevant scientific papers
Thank you!