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Geodesic
Airolite Boats combine classic wooden boat building techniques
with aircraft substrates to build a remarkably strong yet amazingly
light craft. Beyond the sheer innovation of these unique boats
is the surprising ease and pleasure with which they are built.
See our customer testimonials
for more information about the Geodesic Airolite Boat building
experience.
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Fundamental
Materials: |
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Wooden
Framework:
A wooden framework is the foundation for all our boats. There is
quite a lot of flexibility in your choice of wood. The longitudinal
parts (stringers, gunwales and floorboards) can be milled (cut)
from whatever is used to build houses in your area...typically 2
x spruce, fir or hemlock. Forget the 2 x 4 and look at the 2 x 12
they come from older larger trees and are more likely to have straighter
grain with fewer knots.
The bent ribs should NOT be Kiln dried. The preferred wood would
be Green ash, oak or juniper. |
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Dacron
heat-shrink fabric:
Dacron fabric is the primary material used to cover our boats. Dacron
is a first cousin to sail cloth - except it heat shrinks. It is a
super-weight, airplane wing covering type of fabric, used on crop
dusters. Depending on the intended use, a second layer of Dacron can
easily be applied for added durability and there are alternate finished
that can be applied to alter appearance and performance. Please consult
our Frequently Asked Questions page
for several related topics and see the Optional Materials listed on
this page. |
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Kevlar
Roving Aramid fiber:
Unidirectional high strength Aramid fiber, Kevlar being the most commonly
known brand name, is used on nearly all of our boats to provide exceptional
tortional ridgity (resistance to length-wise twisting and flex). As
you probably know, aramid fibers are exceptionally light weight and
tough...think Armor Plate. We are the OEM supplier of either two or
five yarn of 1420 denier on 300 ft. spools. If you chose to order
a partial kit this will be automatically included when appropriate. |
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Structural
epoxy:
A one-to-one expoxy mix is used on most wood joints. It is an exceptionally
strong, thick adhesive that is fairly easy to apply. |
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One-part
urethane adhesive:
Another adhesive used in the construction of our boats. |
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HEATnBOND
(transfer adhesive film):
Essentially this is a thin strip of hot glue that is useful in adhering
the skin to the frame edges. |
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Optional
Materials: |
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MonoKote:
This durable thin iron-on mylar film will add a brilliant finish and
increases the durability of your boat. MonoKote is commonly used on
model airplanes and it is available in many colors. See our Frequently
Asked Questions page for more information. |
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Tyvek:
A lightweight fiberous synthetic material used for many different
purposes. Tear & tamper-resistant envelopes, coveralls, and houses
wrap(vapor barier) are some of the most common uses. In the Geodesic
Boat space we use this to build inexpensive Jiffy-Sails. |
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We have recently
learned that there is now a pure white Tyvek stock (it no longer
bears the giant Tyvek logo) available in up-to 10-foot widths.
You can order this material from:
Goodling Outdoor Products
4323 Hope Valley Drive
Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278
dgoodling@nc.rr.com |
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Alternate
sealers:
There are many ways to seal the Dacron skin. They include certain
varnishes, paints, and plastic coatins. Again, you can learn more
about alternate sealer by viewing our Frequently
Asked Questions page. |
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