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Acquiring a canoe for your interior camping trips can be as complicated as having to choose from the entire marketplace of manufacturers or as relatively simple as choosing from an outfitter's smaller inventory. In either case, it's wise to review the advantages and disadvantages of the various types of construction, designs and optional - accessory equipment.

A substantial amount of monetary and practical satisfaction can be achieved from making an informed choice.

ConstructionDesignsEquipment

Construction

There are many terms related to the structural and design elements, as well as to the materials and assembly methods of today's canoes. Structural and design element names are standard amongst all canoes, regardless of their means of construction or specific use design. Materials and assembly methods are not exclusive to any one use design. As time passes, new materials and their application will continue to evolve the canoe.


Structural Elements:


Design Elements:


Materials:


      Fiberglass

  • Gelcoat provides smooth coloured exterior finish.
  • Layers of fiberglass mats bonded with ...
  • Polyester or vinylester resins.
  • Extra fiberglass layers available at stress points.
  • Option of either aluminum, ash wood or vinyl gunwale rails.
  • Cheapest and heaviest of the fiber-cloth and resin material-methods.

      Kevlar®

  • Gelcoat provides smooth coloured exterior finish.
  • Layer of sandwiched Kevlar® and fiberglass.
  • Vinylester resins.
  • Extra Kevlar® layers available at stress points.
  • Option of either aluminum, ash wood or vinyl gunwale rails.
  • More costly and lighter than standard fiberglass.

      Expedition Kevlar®

  • Gelcoat provides smooth coloured exterior finish.
  • Layer of S-glass (high compressive strength) .
  • Vinylester resins.
  • Multiple layers of Kevlar® concentrated at stress points.
  • Option of either aluminum, ash wood or vinyl gunwale rails.
  • More costly and lighter than standard Kevlar® .

      Ultralite Carbon Kevlar®

  • Gelcoat provides smooth coloured exterior finish.
  • Layer of special thin carbon fiber reinforced glass.
  • Vinylester resins.
  • Various methods of achieving floor rigidity.
  • Option of either aluminum, ash wood or vinyl gunwale rails.
  • More costly and lighter than Expedition Kevlar® .
  • Not intended for rugged or heavy wear uses.

      Royalex®

  • Manufactured from thermoplastic laminate of vinyl, ABS and a foam core.
  • Reputation of being durable, carefree and suited for white water.
  • Approximately 25% heavier than standard fiberglass.
  • Generally priced between standard fiberglass and Kevlar® .

      Royalite®

  • Manufactured from thermoplastic laminate of vinyl, ABS and a foam core.
  • Royalite is lightweight version of Royalex intended for less rugged use.
  • Weight is close to that of standard fiberglass.
  • Generally priced closer to standard fiberglass than Kevlar® .

      Aluminum

  • Manufactured from stiffened aluminum alloys.
  • Constructed with sheets, joint plates and rivets.
  • Typically flat bottomed due to restrictions of construction method.
  • Transmit the cold from the water.
  • Convert bright sun into hot metal.
  • Noisy contact with water and paddles.

      Cedar Strip

  • Typically result of home project construction, prefab kits or specialty manufacturer .
  • Heavier than standard fiberglass.
  • Require regular care, maintenance and repair.
  • Expensive in fully finished state.