T&T: Advantages and Disadvantages of Cold Molded Epoxy Hull vs. steel hull

[Woody and Kathy]

Lee Licata wrote;
"I can see some obvious advantages over steel (no rust, no sweating,  
no electrolysis) but if this is such a great building technique as  
the builder espouses, then why is it not used more often.."


I used to build cold molded small craft, but do so no longer, due to
difficulty in obtaining veneers. The construction method produces a very
strong light hull, but the labor cost drives the cost of this method above
that of other methods. I live in the Pacific Northwest, and can no longer
obtain Western Red Cedar veneer here, having to have it shipped from
Tennessee. The difficulty of repair can be a problem, but I have never seen
a hull that was holed. In this aspect steel or better yet aluminum is easily
repaired....also easily dented.

Basic reason not many cold molded hulls outside of racing boats are seen is
cost.

Woody 
27 Marben
Port Orchard,WA