Here is what I've learned building the TMS-20

I have not figured out the difference between E-Glass and Carbon Fiber in weight. Once I purchased the Carbon Mast I was amazed on how little it weighed. I had already bought a roll of E-Glass to build the TMS-20 but decided to have my Naval Architect re-design the plans for Carbon Fiber. One thing people will do is change to carbon but still build the laminate to E-Glass lay-up it will be much stronger but over built. That is why I consulted with the NA for a new lay-up schedule for carbon some places I have 6 layers in stress points but overall it is a basic lay-up as follows. The basic lay-up over all is just two skins of 200-gram carbon cloth on each side of the foam and I'm using West System Epoxy. The outside will have one layer of 4 oz E-glass as a protective covering. I'm also vacuum bagging it so I'm pulling the extra resin out. If I were using E-glass the lay-up would be much, much thicker and not as stiff plus more resin to wet it out.

I shopped the carbon cloth and picked it up for $18 / yard and I get 25% off of the retail price on the West System Products and 50% off of the foam. Does it cost more - yes but you use less. I like working in Epoxy 100 times better then poly - less smell - less toxic - easier to meter with the pumps - easier to adjust - stronger - and powders to thicken it for your specifications. It is kind of like everything else with boats you just get what you pay for. Also carbon fiber is not a mystery it is stronger, light, and you use less material compared to E glass.

Overall weight is factor to speed. You can purchase the skinniest lines, air blocks, foam battens, and use “little people” for crew but you’ll save more in the weight of the construction of the craft. But the cost are there and more labor so people will discard the benefits as it cuts into the profit. Also you have to paint epoxy and not gel coat it so production is more difficult even with production from a female mold.