Planning a pirogue build

[AJMag]

http://www.cajunsecret.com/

Found these plans and decided i liked it better than the freebies out there. At 20 bucks it wasn't a big deal to check out the plans. Got them just a couple hours later through email as a pdf. Nothing too complicated in the sheets.

So for those knowledgeable, because i know there's a few with at least some experience... what route would you go for wood and finish. I have a hard rime believing that even marine grade can last without fiberglass. So is it really necessary? Meranti or oakume, and just epoxy coat, fiberglass tape the joints and paint? Or go ahead and fiberglass it regardless? I haven't priced marine grades lately, but clarks in houston shows to have those 2 types plus marine fir, which i read would definitely require glass to prevent checking. Only need 2 sheets of plywood. If i can use oakume and not glass, over probably cheaper fir with glass, and get a long lasting boat then it's a no brainer. But will not fiberglassing hold up in the long run to abrasion?

I want it to last. Plan on using it and abusing it. Wanted something i can stand up in and bowfish in fairfield. Seems some buddies have discovered that a wide yak that can maneuver in the reeds tricks tilapia better than boats. Plus i want more room than my yak for running lines around stubblefield etc.

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[Etxnoodler]

Can't answer your questions but keep us updated on how it goes!! That would be a fun little project.

[Austin]

Have almost bought those same plans want to build one with my son soon to use on the river. I will glass the entire exterior along with interior seams when I build

[cphillips]

Little off topic, but park your boat on Fairfield and wade with a stringer on your hip and your bow in your hand. You'll have plenty to take home.

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[DaveS903]

There are others on here with a lot more experience than me so hopefully they will chime in. If you make a simple wood boat with an epoxy coating, it will be light but not very durable. I would absolutely use a cabosil or flox slurry fillet where the side panels meet in the bow and stern and a microspheres slurry to create a fillet on inside seams and apply tape to all interior and exterior seams. If you go that route, make sure you coat the wood well - especially the edges of all plywood. I have always used a few light coats (versus 1 or more heavy) with a light sanding between coats. If you add an outer glass/epoxy shell, it will add weight but also add stiffness, strength, and durability. It will also take much longer to construct. If you can afford it, an epoxy/carbon fiber outer shell (or even Kevlar if you are made of moolah) will reduce weight slightly compared to fiberglass weave, and add a lot of strength. If I were building one, I would tape and bed the interior seams with regular uni-directional tape and use carbon fiber weave on the high stress/heavy use areas then a layer of very light weight carbon fiber scrim cloth over the exterior.

[mikebyrge]

I've made a couple skiffs/pirogues using the stitch and glue method and only used glass/epoxy on the seems. They didn't get used much but one was close to 20 years old when I gave it away and it was still serviceable. I did put a new coat of paint on it every few years.

[DarrellS]

It will last a lifetime if completely fiberglassed and 3-4 of a high quality spar varnish. Use 6oz cloth and the epoxy of your choice. I would not recommend polyester resin because it can be difficult to work with in the summer (it goes off too fast).

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[DarrellS]

Have fun with the build. First boat I ever built was a pirouge.


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[BDann]

I've got those plans myself, but haven't built it yet.

[bjg]

Built several over the years. First one was for with glass on bottom and exterior seams. Lasted quiet awhile until stored in the elements for a few years which then started to rot. Last one I built I used treated plywood with cypress for everything else. Glasses bottom, about 3/4 up the sides, all seams on exterior and interior as well as the exposed top edge of the plywood. That one is still in use today after 20+ years

[Hawkpuppy 1]

DarrelS is the master when it comes to this kind of work. Agree with the Fairfield thing, just wade with a stringer and you'll get plenty. I did the same thing on Gibbons many times and had way more luck wading than poling my boat chasing tilapia....

[AJMag]

It will last a lifetime if completely fiberglassed and 3-4 of a high quality spar varnish. Use 6oz cloth and the epoxy of your choice. I would not recommend polyester resin because it can be difficult to work with in the summer (it goes off too fast).

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I usually use US composites epoxy. Any recommendations on glue? Need something better or stonger than titebond3?

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[DarrellS]

Titebond and US Composites are both great

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[AJMag]

Titebond and US Composites are both great

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Perfect. One more for you. I know this topic gets beat to death, but if i went ahead and encapsulated it in fiberglass and epoxy, is there still a huge need for marine ply? My thoughts are that the only positive would be knowing there are no voids for weak spots in the inner layers. Being fully sealed... should... keep it from rotting or checking, right? Or just dont skimp and do marine grade anyways?

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[Strummer]

I have been wanting to build one for a few years .