>" This is not entirely true, Lloyds and DNV, etc, accept all mat > laminates > but what is important to know is that an all mat(or chop) laminate > can loose > up to half it's original strength after sustaining enough flexing. > In other > words it gets "soft " over time. It's worth taking a close look!" It matters not a bit WHAT the laminate sked was , IF glass flexes it DIES , all mat , all chop , all cloth , layers of mat & roving , You name it if it gets flexed to the point of cracking the resin its done for. No question a same weight lay up of "better" construction will be a tiny bit stiffer , and might not flex as much , but the same hassles occur , flex and die. This is the reason old "racing" sailboats get scrapped , they flex when pressed hard , for a while , then the hull fails. This is also the reason most rating agencies (USCG & similar) require very high (over 400%) of strength to carry passengers for hire . Of the boat has 400% more strength than the loads require , it WONT flex , and last till it gets destroyed . FAST FRED ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today!