what is the minimum thickness for the top and bottom.

[kiwial]

i have stripped my planks down but stuffed up on one set. i have thicknessed them down to 4mm
it is western red cedar

is this going to be to thin?

Cheers

Kiwial

[timbo]

Hi, the problem is that during sanding the final finish before glassing you will lose another 1 mm minimum.  But if you put 2 layers of 6oz (200gram) cloth on instead of 1 it should be ok.  Is that strips for both the hull and Deck!  West systems do not recommend  wetting out both layers at once but wait until the first has gone tacky.  Check out their instructions on line.  If you intend to foam the inside this will also give additional support.

Hope this helps.  Tim

[timbo]

Just read your post again.   Put the thin ones on the bottom with 2 layers of glass that will be fine, most strip wood kayaks have an additional layer on the bottom.   The deck is where most of the support is required so the good set on top and I think you will be fine.