The Hindu : CIFT launches canoe

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, May 30, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala

CIFT launches canoe

By Our Staff Reporter

KOCHI MAY 29. The Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) has completed the construction of a Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP)-coated treated rubber wood canoe for marine fishing.

The rubber wood planks were treated with a water-borne preservative before construction. Two coats of FRP were given inside the vessel for adequate protection of the craft.

The traditional method of stitching the planks together with coir/polypropylene strands and the joints caulked using coconut fibre and cotton was avoided in the building of this vessel.

Instead, riveting the ribs hold the plank edge to edge tightly and the gaps between the planks are sealed by cotton and putty before applying the final coats of FRP.

According to a CIFT release, the new canoe would have greater durability and prolonged service compared to the conventional plank-built canoe.

The 6.05-m long canoe costs around Rs. 15,000. The method developed by the CIFT would give a maintenance-free service to the craft unlike the conventional canoe for which Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000 is required for annual maintenance.

The suitability of rubber wood for canoe construction was earlier established by the studies conducted by the Institute, the statement said.

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