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Faizan
When selecting a canoeing boat, you must choose between several different models, sizes and price points. However, one of the most important characteristics to consider is the material used to construct the canoeing boat. Historically wood and aluminum were popular materials for canoeing boats construction, but many modern canoes are made from fiberglass – and are advertised as fiberglass composite canoes. Additionally, some manufacturers utilize proprietary materials when constructing their canoes.
Fiberglass Canoes
To make a fiberglass canoe, manufacturers combine woven textiles with polymer resins. Because manufacturers can produce sharp lines and intricate designs with fiberglass, canoes made from the material are often among the most efficient canoes available; the crisp lines allow the vessel to cut through the water. However, fiberglass canoes are sometimes brittle, which can lead them to crack easily. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to repair fiberglass canoes with a patch kit; patches are nearly invisible once completed, and this helps protect the aesthetic appeal of your craft.
Aluminum Canoes
Aluminum canoes are often rather slow, but they are generally very durable. This makes them heavy, but able to withstand the day-to-day punishment of paddling. Because aluminum is somewhat difficult to form, aluminum canoes rarely feature elaborate, highly sculpted shapes. Manufacturers use several different types of aluminum when making canoes, resulting in some that perform better than others. While it is possible to repair aluminum canoes, the results often look shoddy.
Wood Canoes
Contrary to what many suppose – wooden canoes often bear higher price tags than similarly sized aluminum or fiberglass vessels. While wood may be cheaper than other materials, the construction process is much more difficult, thus raising the price. Wooden canoes often offer a smooth ride and they work well in a variety of different water bodies, including lakes, oceans and rivers. Drawbacks of wooden canoes include the higher price point and significant mass, but they may last decades with careful use.
Other Materials
Manufacturers often build high-end canoes from Kevlar – a fabric that is both lighter and stronger than steel. Kevlar canoes are not cheap, but they weigh very little – about 25 percent less than similar fiberglass models -- and durability makes them favorites among many advanced paddlers. Royalex is a proprietary plastic that manufacturers use to make very durable, if heavy, canoes. Canoe manufacturers often build low-budget, entry-level craft from a type of plastic called polyethylene. While such canoes often have attractive price tags for novices, polyethylene is not very rigid. A polyethylene canoe may deform slightly while you are paddling or warp when left in the sun.
Making the Selection
You must consider the applications in which you will be using your canoeing boat to determine the best construction material for your needs. For example, fiberglass canoes are very lightweight, which makes them well suited for paddlers who must lug their canoes long distances or travel with them. By contrast, aluminum boats are rather heavy, but their durability makes them excellent choices for novices and children, who are likely to slam into numerous rocks while paddling. Wooden boats are heavier than aluminum boats, but they are often handcrafted and beautiful, which appeals to some traditionalists.
Fiberglass Canoes
To make a fiberglass canoe, manufacturers combine woven textiles with polymer resins. Because manufacturers can produce sharp lines and intricate designs with fiberglass, canoes made from the material are often among the most efficient canoes available; the crisp lines allow the vessel to cut through the water. However, fiberglass canoes are sometimes brittle, which can lead them to crack easily. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to repair fiberglass canoes with a patch kit; patches are nearly invisible once completed, and this helps protect the aesthetic appeal of your craft.
Aluminum Canoes
Aluminum canoes are often rather slow, but they are generally very durable. This makes them heavy, but able to withstand the day-to-day punishment of paddling. Because aluminum is somewhat difficult to form, aluminum canoes rarely feature elaborate, highly sculpted shapes. Manufacturers use several different types of aluminum when making canoes, resulting in some that perform better than others. While it is possible to repair aluminum canoes, the results often look shoddy.
Wood Canoes
Contrary to what many suppose – wooden canoes often bear higher price tags than similarly sized aluminum or fiberglass vessels. While wood may be cheaper than other materials, the construction process is much more difficult, thus raising the price. Wooden canoes often offer a smooth ride and they work well in a variety of different water bodies, including lakes, oceans and rivers. Drawbacks of wooden canoes include the higher price point and significant mass, but they may last decades with careful use.
Other Materials
Manufacturers often build high-end canoes from Kevlar – a fabric that is both lighter and stronger than steel. Kevlar canoes are not cheap, but they weigh very little – about 25 percent less than similar fiberglass models -- and durability makes them favorites among many advanced paddlers. Royalex is a proprietary plastic that manufacturers use to make very durable, if heavy, canoes. Canoe manufacturers often build low-budget, entry-level craft from a type of plastic called polyethylene. While such canoes often have attractive price tags for novices, polyethylene is not very rigid. A polyethylene canoe may deform slightly while you are paddling or warp when left in the sun.
Making the Selection
You must consider the applications in which you will be using your canoeing boat to determine the best construction material for your needs. For example, fiberglass canoes are very lightweight, which makes them well suited for paddlers who must lug their canoes long distances or travel with them. By contrast, aluminum boats are rather heavy, but their durability makes them excellent choices for novices and children, who are likely to slam into numerous rocks while paddling. Wooden boats are heavier than aluminum boats, but they are often handcrafted and beautiful, which appeals to some traditionalists.
Posted in: canoeing
