hollow surfboard question

I want to build a hollow surfboard similar to the ones explained on Paul Jensen’s website. I have everything planed except for the skins which I’m unsure about. On Pauls site it says to laminate the inside of the 1/8 " wood skins with carbon fiber but this is very expensive.

Could I substitute the carbon for fiberglass of should I use thicker wood for the skins or a combination of the two?

If you want to keep the costs down use 1/8" plywood for deck and bottom. Doesnt have to be marine grade

I put a layer of standard 6 oz glass on the underside of the ply deck before gluing it into position, this gives a bit more strength and impact resistance from heavy landings, then use one layer of 6oz top and bottom. I’ve built 2 hollows and havent used carbon fibre, it would make the board more resistant though.

1/8" wood and fiberglass is fine…

Laminate the stringer and the outside of the inner rail with fiberglass for a bit more strength…

Thanks for the replies

I will use 1 layer 6 oz glass on the inside of 1/8" wood skins with 1 layer on the outside + 1 on 2/3 of the deck.

I will probaby have some more questions when I finish designing and start making the thing.

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What about just the 1/8 ply with one layer of 6oz on the bottom, one on the top, and a 2/3 deck patch? (This for a 8’9" round-nose pintail)

When you lam the underside of the ply decking, how does that affect its flex and the ease with which it bends to fit the required shape when you glue it down?

Would 3/16 or 1/4 ply be too inflexible or two heavy? What’s heavier, extra ply, or extra glass?

Thanks!

RR

What about just the 1/8 ply with one layer of 6oz on the bottom, one on the top, and a 2/3 deck patch? (This for a 8’9" round-nose pintail)

Yeah ,that’ll work…

When you lam the underside of the ply decking, how does that affect its flex and the ease with which it bends to fit the required shape when you glue it down?

…I like to lam in the evening, then the next morning attach it to the frame…There is enough flexability in the material that it contours fine…

Would 3/16 or 1/4 ply be too inflexible or two heavy? What’s heavier, extra ply, or extra glass?

…3/16 or 1/4" might be too stiff to contour…You could try though…Wood is lighter than glass…

I didn’t use CF, I just laminated with 4 oz fiberglass mat and polyester resin, the wood I used is Andiroba, which isn’t oily and the poly resin did a good job. I’ve been in the beach 3 times now, testing the board, stressing it as much as I could, and haven’t had delamination problems yet. The only drawback is the board is too heavy, but floats enough to carry it’s own weight and mine with no problems. Jack.