Super light pirogue - 17lb 14 foot

[greenheadgrimreaper]

olemissduckhunter, I'd like to see a pic of your build.

JD, any progress yet on your build?

[jdbuckshot]

I spent Saturday getting the shop back in working order - i don't do anything but hunt during the season so it was a wreck.

I have made some progress - been testing some different materials, and different adhesives. using mostly plastics of different types i had to do some testing with glues and sealants and epoxy capabilities. The PVC lumber glues together easily with PVC cement and is very strong.

as far as gluing the NPR to the pvc frame - liquid nails fuze it seem to work the best. regular FPR will glue very strong to PVC with PVC cement, but FPR is much more brittle.



will pick up building materials today and get started after work.

The only think i am trying different from herbs boat is using the PVC board for the frame - and using the NPR white board to make the side panels in lieu of the Aluminum Trim coil. - this should keep most of the boat rot free. still researching options for the bottom other than ply wood.


this is the building material list.


Qty Item

1 .75x10"x18' PVC Board
1 .90x4'x8' NPR white board (like they use in kitchens) LIke FPR - NPR is more flexible
1 1/4"x4'x8' exterior ply wood
1 liquid Nails fuze it glue
1 6oz 3" fiber tape to tape the seams
1 gallon of epoxy resign - to glass the seams in and coat the plywood.

will probably use some cypress or some type of wood for the rub rail......

[jdbuckshot]

Ripping the FRP into 12"

Using a straight edge to get it perfect

[jdbuckshot]

Framing the side frames

Ripped the boards into 1 1/2" wide.

Used the kreg jig to hold everything while the glue cures

The FRP is laid out to be sure the seams at 8' falls on a rib. I didn't want the seam in the middle since that's where the most arch is. The laps will be on opposite ends.

[jdbuckshot]

Taped the ends together and stretched her out.

Plan on a 30" bottom. And maybe around 36" at the top. That is what it is in the pic.

[kris Schaumburg]

how do you plan to make the bow stems?

[jdbuckshot]

once the bottom is fitted. the two side pieces will be joined together with a piece of PVC board attached to the end. then taped and glassed.

[jdbuckshot]

Skin glued and stapled on.

i did some more testing on the FRP and PVC.

i found that cleaning both very good with PVC cleaner or acetone, then using plenty of PVC glue worked really really good. the two cannot be sperated after cured.

the trick was to put the two textured sides together with copious amount of glue, i used staples to hold everything tight while it cured. i wanted the slick plastic to be on the outside for obvious reasons - worked out well that the two textured panels glued up really strong and tight.

[Greenhead329]

Anyone modified these plans to make a little wider ? Like 33 or even 36

[mfalkner]

Very cool design

[teul2]

How did it do on the float trip Jim?

[jdbuckshot]

it has done well. i got a few pics, i'll try to get them posted.