Brian Nystrom wrote in news:FuLzh.2210$g82.2094
@trndny09:

Moby Dick wrote:
Thank you for the informative reply. You mention fiberglass versus
rotomolded plastic. However, I see many more materials on various web
pages: Carbon
Kevlar
Fiberglass (as you mentioned)

These three are all forms of composite, with the major difference being
that carbon, Kevlar and carbon fiber/Kevlar boats are typically lighter
than the same model in fiberglass. They have the potential to be
stronger and/or stiffer, but most manufacturers use these materials to
cut weight instead.

Basically, you've got to weight the criteria of having a boat that may be a
little easier to carry and load/unload off a vehicle with the difference in
price. Carbon/Kevlar boats may cost significantly more than a fiberglass
boat. On the water, most paddlers are unlikely to notice a signifcant
performance difference.


Proprietary Lay-up (whatever that is)

It could be pretty much anything, but most likely it's marketing BS.
When you get right down to it, ALL layups (the number, shape, location,
material and order of the of the plies) are proprietary, since every
boat model is different, even from the same manufacturer.

I'd have to disagree with that somewhat. Many of the "proprietary" layups
being touted are neither neither fiberglass nor rotomolded (poly), but some
other plastic or combination of materials.

Some
manufactures incorporate polyester (Dynel, Diolene) or Nylon into their
layups for specific purposes, but it's nothing to get excited about.

I also have mostly been unimpressed with most "proprietary layups". Many of
them "look" like fiberglass, and may be as light, but are not as stiff, nor
do they have the advantage of being easily repairable.


Functionally, the biggest differences between all these boats are
weight, cost and portability.

Commercial folding boats are the most expensive - commonly costing over
$4000 - and the most portable. Most tend to be on the short side (under
16') and rather wide, which limits their performance. Weight-wise,
they're in the same range as carbon fiber and Kevlar touring boats.

Boats built with carbon fiber and Kevlar are the next most expensive
(~$3000 - $3500) and are available in a broad range of designs. They
typically weigh between 5 and 15 pounds less than the same boat in
fiberglass and cost between $500 and $1000 more.

Fiberglass boats are the mainstay of the mid-upper end of the market.
They typically range from $1500-$2800. They're good workhorse boats that
can take a lot of abuse.

If you want to build a boat, you can make a skin-on-frame boat for under
$200. Stitch-&-glue and cedar strip boats can be built for under $500.

On the other hand, you can also buy pre-built cedar strip boats. I've seen
them advertized from several places in the 5 figure range.

My advic: Rent a few different boat to determine what kind of boat will
best meet your needs. Look at the used market, or dealers which sell off
their rental fleet at the end of the season.

The boat is just one piece of equipment you'll need. Don't spend all your
money on a better boat and leave little to spend on a paddle, PFD, clothing,
etc. That's especially true for a paddle.