WTB - double sea kayak - fiberglass or kevlar (OT)

Search
Go

Discussion Topic

Return to Forum List
This thread has been locked
Messages 21 - 23 of total 23 in this topic << First  |  < Previous  |  Show All  |  Next >  |  Last >>
GuapoVino

climber
Mar 4, 2015 - 02:04pm PT
Twenty years ago I built a kayak using plans from Chesapeake Light Craft. I still have it and paddle it occasionally. I used 3mm and 4mm plywood from Home Depot and epoxy and probably have about $300 and 40 hours of work invested in it. It still looks great and I still paddle it occasionally.

I recently bought an in inflatable Aironaut kayak made my Feather Craft. I can set it up and inflate it in 5-10 minutes and can take it anywhere I can hike. I'd love to get a SOAR canoe also.

Kevlar boats are a little lighter and stronger than all fiberglass boats. In kevlar boats they can reduce the total number of layers of reinforcing fabric by using one or two layers of kevlar. Kevlar boats still use layers of fiberglass on the outside and the kevlar layer on the inside. Kevlar is stronger than fiberglass in tension and fiberglass is stronger in compression so they can use each material where it most adds to the strength and stiffness and lower the weight some. If you can afford it and if lightweight is a big priority then buy a kevlar boat.

Up in places like the Boundary Waters in Minnesota where you have to portage your canoes for hundreds of yards between lakes, everyone uses kevlar canoes because they're lighter and easier to carry.
Tvash

climber
Seattle
Topic Author's Reply - Mar 16, 2015 - 02:21pm PT
Thanks for all your responses.

Got a double inflatable for travelling. Great for rough seas like the N shore of Molokai, etc.

If we ever go for plane ready singles, we'd probably consider the Folbot Cooper 16'6". 39 lbs, 20 min assembly - nice fast hull shape. Klepper badly needs to update their tubby, overly complicated designs, as well as their cockpits, which are not still not compatible with regular spray skirts.

I also have an Easy Rider take apart kevlar single with outrigger/sail. Spent a month exploring Belize, then traverse the Windward Islands from Trinidad to the Dominican Republic.

You haven't lived until you've got a freshly caught 4' barracuda between your legs, mouth to crotch, and have it start to 'wake up' just as your surfing in through the opening the reef. Note to self - get a heavier club.

Unfortunately, 911 and economics means that thing no longer flies on a commercial airliner, so it's for local use only now. Plus, it's now riddled with stress fractures, courtesy of the Atlantic Ocean.

We decided to go for two singles. Weekends on the Sound are what we want these new boats for - nice, fast glass boats. I picked up a sweet kevlar single (NC Overnighter) for cheap. Now looking for a companion boat. Made a bid on another NC in the area - still waiting for a reply.

couchmaster

climber
Mar 16, 2015 - 03:07pm PT


Not totally on topic, but it shocked me so much I had to share it. Not long back a fella took a stand up paddleboard offshore from Vancouver Island was off the Oregon Coast heading to the Baja Peninsula.

...stand up paddleboard !?! Stones of steel.

Anyhow, good luck with the boat..........

Messages 21 - 23 of total 23 in this topic << First  |  < Previous  |  Show All  |  Next >  |  Last >>
Return to Forum List
 
Our Guidebooks
spacerCheck 'em out!
SuperTopo Guidebooks

guidebook icon
Try a free sample topo!

 
SuperTopo on the Web

Recent Route Beta