Carbon Fiber Hobie

[silasvirus82]

Anyone have experience working with carbon fiber? I'm thinking of making either a pro angler or outback in carbon and wanted to ask for a few suggestions. I realize this is going to be expensive and an incredible amount of work, but is it feasible? My main concerns are all the detailed cutouts (cup holders, trays, etc) and the structural integrity of the mirage drive. My plan is to use my current boat to make a fiberglass mold, then lay the carbon fiber down inside of that. I'm thinking I will need some extra support in the mirage drive, maybe metal struts, or just thick layers of kevlar? I'd also like to slightly change the hull shape of the outback if I decide to go that route. I've read quite a few write-ups on custom boat making and it seems doable, but nothing I've seen is quite as complex as a hobie.

Imagine a 50-60 lb pro angler!

[ski357]

http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewt...p?f=11&t=43937

[silasvirus82]

http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewt...p?f=11&t=43937

awesome, thanks. That kayak is amazing btw

[mi327]

Looks like an interesting project. Have you considered the lost foam method for molding the Kayak? Essentially you would carve the mold out of foam, usually the guys use the cheap insulation foam like you get at a hardware store. Then once the mold is done you lay the carbon and risen on the mold and shape it then when everything dries you use paint thinner or Acetone to dissolve the foam. You might need to vacuum bag it though to get a good finish and a strong hull. Never seen it used to that scale but i know of people using it for car parts etc.

[silasvirus82]

I have already spoke with the guy who made the kayak in your link, he's sending me a lot more information, particularly how the mirage drive well was constructed. I really can't wait to start on this project. The more I've thought about it the more I think I'm going with an original hull design. I'd like something fast and stable, not too worried about turning radius. A tunnel design is floating around in my head at the moment.

[Shady]

I really can't offer any useful information, just wanted to say that this is awesome and I can't wait to see how it turns out!

[silasvirus82]

It'll be 2017 probably before I finish, lol