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.
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