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From: Peter Osman <PeterO_at_ambri.com.au>
subject: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Wed, 23 Jun 1999 08:46:17 +1000
On Thu, 22 Jul 1999, John Winters wrote:

>As for the differences between laminated and poly boats, 

Another consideration for poly boats is that I'm told the raw materials can
be and sometimes are recycled. I'm not sure if the same is true for glass? 

PeterO.
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From: Scott Ives <ssives_at_erols.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Mon, 21 Jun 1999 12:58:50 -0400
I'm going to get flamed for this one ... oh well here I go:

  I think the words top of the line and plastic are oxymorons.  If you are
just starting out or want to pound the heck out of your kayak (or you are a
white water  buff), go plastic.

  In all other cases I would recommend fiberglass or kevlar.  I would
recommend you get a good, used glass boat over a "top of the line"
tupperware boat any day of the week.

  A glass boat is lighter, has better water-tight seams, and will paddle
much smoother than any plastic boat.  This is particularly true after a
plastic boat gets some good scratches in the hull.  Save your money and
spend it on glass, you won't regret it.  And if you can't wait to buy, look
at a good used glass boat.

  - Scott Ives
-----Original Message-----
From: John Fereira <fereira_at_albert.mannlib.cornell.edu>
To: Jeff Rowland <jrowland_at_sprynet.com>
Cc: PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net <PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Date: Sunday, June 20, 1999 8:40 AM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again


>>
>> Are there any kayack models that are considered more top-of-the-line vs
other
>> model.
>>
>> Is any one manufacture's kayak considered more superior than all the
others?
>> What model to you recommended to consider.
>>
>
>I put together a list of what I considered top of the line plastic
>boats awhile back.  Here's what I had on it:
>
>Plastic Boats
>
>Vendor           Model           Length  Width  Weight  Rudder Price
>=====================================================================
>Aquaterra        Sea Lion        17'2"   22.5"  67.5lbs  opt.  $1199
>Aquaterra        Shadow          16'8"   22"    62.5lbs  opt.  $1199
>Aquaterra        Eclipse         17'2"  22.5"   64.5lbs  opt.  $1199
>Current Designs  Storm           17'     24"    64lbs    opt.  ?????
>Current Designs  Squall          16'6"   22"    61lbs    opt.  ?????
>Dagger           Magellen        16'6"   22.5"  62lbs    opt.  $999
>Dagger           Atlantis        17'2"   23.5"  69lbs    opt.  ?????
>Necky            Looksha IV      17'     22"    53lbs    opt.  $1188
>Northwest kayak  Pursuit RM      16'10"  22"    65lbs    opt.  $1095
>Old Town         Millennium 174  17'4"   22.5"  60lbs    opt.  $????
>P&H              Capella         16'5"   22"    58.6lbs  skeg  ?????
>Prijon           Seayak          16'1"   24"    56lbs    opt.  $999
>Wilderness Sys.  Epic            17'     22"    59lbs    opt.  $1149
>Wilderness Sys.  Sealution II    16'6"   22"    57lbs    opt.  $1149
>Wilderness Sys.  Sealution II/XL 17'     23"    60lbs    opt.  $1199
>Valley (VCP)     Skerray RM      17'     23"    56lbs    skeg  $1355
>
>
>You can narrow this list down quickly based on your physical attributes.
>If you're a larger person you would choose the Eclipse over the Shadow,
>the Storm over the Squall, and the Sealution II/XL over the Sealution II.
>The Epic is probably the straightest tracking boat and one of the
>fastest (but doesn't turn as easily as others).  The Seayak probably
>has the best plastic.  The Capella and Skerray RM are both fast and
>manouverable but cost a bit more.  All of the boats on that list would
>meet your criteria.  You'll have to try out as many as possible to
>decide which is the best for you.
>
>Storm, and Looksha IV are
>
>--
>John Fereira
>jaf30_at_cornell.edu
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From: John Fereira <fereira_at_albert.mannlib.cornell.edu>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Mon, 21 Jun 99 15:04:28 EDT
> 
> I'm going to get flamed for this one ... oh well here I go:
  
  I'm not going to flame, but I am going to disagree with you
  on a few points.

>   I think the words top of the line and plastic are oxymorons.  

  Since I am the one that used the phrase I used "top of the
  line" as a limiter in the context of plastic boats.  One could
  just as easily say that top of the line fiberglass is an
  oxymoron because of the superior attributes of a kevlar layup.

> If you are
> just starting out or want to pound the heck out of your kayak (or you are a
> white water  buff), go plastic.
  
  In the context of this thread the person looking for a boat essentially
  *was* starting out.  It should also be noted that he asked first
  about glass boats and I gave several recommendations and he has since
  decided to look at plastic boats as well.

>   In all other cases I would recommend fiberglass or kevlar.  I would
> recommend you get a good, used glass boat over a "top of the line"
> tupperware boat any day of the week.
  
  The use of the term "tupperware" smacks a bit of elitism but I
  can think of several days of the week when a plastic boat might
  be preferable.

  A plastic boat has a couple of distinct advantages over a 
  fiberglass boat.

  First as you already eluded to, a plastic boat is likely to
  suffer less damage in environments where one is likely to
  encounter rocks.  That should also include sharp shells,
  coral reefs, or anyplace else one might land a kayak.  While
  a scratched plastic boat might inhibit performance, a
  close encounter in a glass boat and a rocky shoreline might
  result in much more severe damage (read: a broken kayak).  A 
  less experienced paddler is more likely going to inadvertantly
  run into things than someone with the skills to manoever well.
  On that day of the week, a plastic boat would be a better
  choice for a inexperienced paddler.

  Second, a plastic boat is typically much less inexpensive
  than a glass boat.  It's pretty easy to understand why
  an experienced kayaker would recommend a glass boat.  Experienced
  kayaker are typically hooked on the sport.  Since they love
  the sport price become less of an issue.  ALthough it happens
  fairly rarely there is a chance that someone just starting
  out *might* not fall in love with the sport like the rest
  of us have.  Suggesting someone spend $1500-$2500 on a fiberglass
  for a hobby they're not absolutely sure they're going become
  passionate about is a bit silly.

  I don't know about anyone else, but I just don't paddle
  touring kayaks.  I also have a whitewater boat and a 
  canoe.  I am also not rich.  If I spent $2500 on a top of
  the line touring boat, I wouldn't be able to afford the canoe
  and the ww boat.  On top of that, paddling isn't my only
  passion.  I also have 9 flyfishing rods and all the associated
  equipment,  three pairs of snow skis,  about six sets
  of darts, and a ever grown music collection.  I would
  imagine that *most* people have more than one hobby and
  that most people aren't rich.

>   A glass boat is lighter, has better water-tight seams, and will paddle
> much smoother than any plastic boat.  This is particularly true after a
> plastic boat gets some good scratches in the hull.  Save your money and
> spend it on glass, you won't regret it.  And if you can't wait to buy, look
> at a good used glass boat.
  
  There seems to be a common presumption that we all live in an
  area where "good used glass boats" are readily available.  For
  the long time kayaker driving 500 miles or more to look at a
  kayak or go to a symposium doesn't seem like a big deal.  For
  the first time buyer it is.  The longer the first time buyer
  waits for their first boat the less time they'll have gaining
  experience.

  If the first time buyer is like most of us, the first kayak
  they buy will not be their last.  There are a lot of really
  good touring boats available in plastic that will satisify
  their needs and won't restrict their learning curve.  

  All that said, when I bought my first kayak I chose a plastic
  recreational boat.  I had it about three weeks before I
  started looking for something better and found a used fiberglass
  VCP Skerray about 6 hours away from here.  But I also live
  a block and a half from the put-in to a 40 mile long lake
  and every hobby that I get involved it I go all the way.  I
  don't just flyfish.  I tie all my own flies and have built
  several rods.  I don't just ski recreationally;  I raced
  for a corporate team for several years.  I don't play darts;
  I have competed in tournaments all over the country against
  world ranked players.  When I decided to get into sea
  kayaking there was a pretty good indication that I would
  enter the sport with the same passion.  I also realize
  that what boat is right for me isn't going to be right
  for everyone.

--
John Fereira
jaf30_at_cornell.edu
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From: Alex Ferguson <a.ferguson_at_chem.canterbury.ac.nz>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 09:40:44 +1200
>I'm going to get flamed for this one ... oh well here I go:

Yes, you probably will.

>  A glass boat is lighter,

Not always, there's some light plastic boats being built now with double
layer, double density plastic.

> has better water-tight seams,

If you've ever had a glass boat with leaking seams, you'll know what a
really leaking boat is. Bulkheads as well!

> and will paddle much smoother than any plastic boat.

Admittedly plastic can distort.

>This is particularly true after a
>plastic boat gets some good scratches in the hull.  Save your money and
>spend it on glass, you won't regret it.

As someone else said, keep the plastic boat as a spare for friends.

> And if you can't wait to buy, look at a good used glass boat.

IF there are any available.

Alex

Alex (Sandy) Ferguson
Chemistry Department
University of Canterbury
New Zealand
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From: John Fereira <fereira_at_albert.mannlib.cornell.edu>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Mon, 21 Jun 99 21:24:24 EDT
> 
> >I'm going to get flamed for this one ... oh well here I go:
> 
> Yes, you probably will.
> 
> >  A glass boat is lighter,
> 
> Not always, there's some light plastic boats being built now with double
> layer, double density plastic.
  
  If anyone wants to make some comparisons check out the kayak
  comparison database that I wrote.  It's got over 300 different
  kayak models (all kinds).  The URL is:

  http://mayfly.mannlib.cornell.edu/kayak/

> > has better water-tight seams,
> 
> If you've ever had a glass boat with leaking seams, you'll know what a
> really leaking boat is. Bulkheads as well!
  
  There are at least a couple of plastic boats that have welded
  plastic bulkheads (the VCP Skerray RM, for one).  I understand
  that foam bulkheads leak, but how long do they generally last
  before they start leaking?  If it's only a year or two, that 
  would seem to be long enough to decide whether to fix it or
  upgrade to glass.

> > and will paddle much smoother than any plastic boat.
> 
> Admittedly plastic can distort.
  
  Plastic boats are getting a lot better.  The Prijon Seayak
  is quite stiff and remains that way and it's more resistant
  to damage from a rock than fiberglass.

--
John Fereira
jaf30_at_cornell.edu
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From: Steve Cramer <cramer_at_coe.uga.edu>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Mon, 21 Jun 1999 17:56:54 -0400
Scott Ives wrote:
> 
> I'm going to get flamed for this one ... oh well here I go:

We don't flame people for expressing opinions here.
> 
>   A glass boat is lighter, has better water-tight seams, and will paddle
> much smoother than any plastic boat.  This is particularly true after a
> plastic boat gets some good scratches in the hull.  Save your money and
> spend it on glass, you won't regret it.  And if you can't wait to buy, look
> at a good used glass boat.
> 
A glass boat is lighter then a plastic boat of the same design, for
sure. Of course, if you look at the whole package of boat, paddler,
food, camping gear, etc, it works out to be about 3% lighter. And about
75% more expensive.  

Better watertight seams? Plastic boats don't got no seams, which has to
be more water-tight than be best glass.

Glass will paddle smoother, yes. Especially after the plastic boat gets
some scratches? I doubt that the scratches make a noticeable difference
to anyone but an expert, and we're giving advice to a total beginner
here. John Winters may even have some data on drag due to scratches. Or
maybe Prof. Inverbon

Steve
-- 
Test Scoring & Reporting Services       Sometimes, you never can
University of Georgia                     always tell what you
Athens, GA 30602-5593                       least expect the most.
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From: Nick Schade <schade_at_guillemot-kayaks.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 09:28:09 -0400
At 12:58 PM -0400 6/21/99, Scott Ives wrote:
>I'm going to get flamed for this one ... oh well here I go:
>
>  I think the words top of the line and plastic are oxymorons.  If you are
>just starting out or want to pound the heck out of your kayak (or you are a
>white water  buff), go plastic.

In any catagory there is a "top-of-the-line" in that catagory.There are
some very nice roto-molded kayaks (for roto-molded) which are better by
many criteria than some I have seen in glass or kevlar. The designs which
are typically made by roto molding are even better when made of glass or
kevlar. The Sea Lion is an example of a decent rotomolded boat which is
very nice in glass.

>
>  In all other cases I would recommend fiberglass or kevlar.  I would
>recommend you get a good, used glass boat over a "top of the line"
>tupperware boat any day of the week.


I once paddled with a guy who liked to seal launch instead of getting his
feet wet. I would not recommend a glass boat to him. If he wants to grind
holes in the bottom of his boat he should do it with a less expensive boat.
There are other more valid reason why rotomolded is better for some people.



Nick Schade
Guillemot Kayaks
10 Ash Swamp Rd
Glastonbury, CT 06033
(860) 659-8847

Schade_at_guillemot-kayaks.com
http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/

>>>>"It's not just Art, It's a Craft!"<<<<


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From: R. Walker <rww_at_mailbox.neosoft.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 12:33:06 -0500
One thing about the plastic boat for a first purchase, is that you may find 
that you have less inhibition about drilling holes in it for placing whatever 
fixtures you want available.   After a few years of paddling it, you will know 
what you want, and where you want it.  Then you get the fiberglass boat, 
and mount your gizmos with confidence knowing you won't regret the 
placement of rod holders, sonar mounts, lights, cleats, compass, etc.

On my own plastic boat, I now know that my compass is to close, and my 
sonar mount is just a little to far forward, I know that I want both rod 
holders to be of a different type than my first; I know that I need to use 
brass screws, and large brass washers as backing.  I know that a white all-
around light needs to be taller than the paddler in order to be effective, thus 
demanding a strenthened mount if such a light is desired.  I know that 
snag free rigging needs to be in place for bow and stern anchor points.   
When I do finally purchase that custom Falcon 18 or Mariner II; I'll be able 
to tell the maker exactly what I want, and why I want it just that way.


Richard Walker
Houston, TX
http://www.neosoft.com/~rww/kayak_log.html
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From: Scott Ives <ssives_at_erols.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Mon, 21 Jun 1999 17:28:47 -0400
John,

  Thanks for your comments.  It's nice when folks can disagree and be polite
about it!  The last point I want to make in this thread concerns cost.
I don't think you have to be rich to paddle fiberglass.  I see many ads for
good, used fiberglass boats (often with all the accessories included!) at
around $1,000.   This is about the price you will pay for a top of the line
plastic boat.

   However, the distinction is that most folks who like kayaking will
quickly outgrow their beginner plastic boat (assuming it wasn't purchased
for rocky paddling or white water paddling).    By contrast, a good glass
boat will keep pace with their improving skills much longer.

   I didn't meant to sound disparaging when I used the term "tupperware",
please accept my apologies.

  Also, in this day and age, good used glass boats ARE readily available.
Just check out the CPA newsletter, the local papers and the internet
newsgroups.  In one weekend, I traveled from Washington, D.C. and sold my
kayak in New York, and picked up a "new" used kayak in Philadelphia!  Yes,
it was a lot of traveling, but it was well worth it!  (BTW, I bought and
sold these boats through the internet).

   Happy boating glass and plastic folks!

 - Scott Ives

John F. wrote:

>>
...
>  Second, a plastic boat is typically much less inexpensive
>  than a glass boat. ...

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From: John Fereira <fereira_at_albert.mannlib.cornell.edu>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Mon, 21 Jun 99 21:10:49 EDT
> 
> John,
> 
>   Thanks for your comments.  It's nice when folks can disagree and be polite
> about it!  The last point I want to make in this thread concerns cost.
> I don't think you have to be rich to paddle fiberglass.  I see many ads for
> good, used fiberglass boats (often with all the accessories included!) at
> around $1,000.   This is about the price you will pay for a top of the line
> plastic boat.
  
  Depends on what you consider top-of-the-line.  Actually most of
  the plastic boats that I consider top of the line are in the
  $1200 range.  It's rare to see a top of the line glass boat
  used even in that range.

>    However, the distinction is that most folks who like kayaking will
> quickly outgrow their beginner plastic boat (assuming it wasn't purchased
> for rocky paddling or white water paddling).    By contrast, a good glass
> boat will keep pace with their improving skills much longer.

  I agree that a "beginner" plastic boat will restrict ones ability
  to improve.  I can think of quite a few plastic boats that a
  beginner could paddle for several years before outgrowing it.  The
  Necky Looksha,  P&H Capella, VCP Skerray RM, and several others
  are going to keep pace with virtually anyone learning curve during 
  for at least a few years.  Frankly, I just can't see anyone outgrowing
  some of the top of the line plastic boats available in less than
  three or so years.  At that point I would certainly see an upgrade
  to a glass boat.

> 
>    I didn't meant to sound disparaging when I used the term "tupperware",
> please accept my apologies.
  
  No offense taken.  I am aware that it's a commonly used description
  but, to me, it sounds a bit elitist.

>   Also, in this day and age, good used glass boats ARE readily available.
> Just check out the CPA newsletter, the local papers and the internet
> newsgroups.  In one weekend, I traveled from Washington, D.C. and sold my
> kayak in New York, and picked up a "new" used kayak in Philadelphia!  Yes,
> it was a lot of traveling, but it was well worth it!  (BTW, I bought and
> sold these boats through the internet).
  
  Those are all three major cities.  I'm sure I'm not the only one
  that "lives in the boonies".  There are only two kayak shops (one
  owned by a friend of mine is only a month old) in my town.  The
  next closest is over an hour away and their selection isn't
  any better.  It's a 3-4 hour drive to the nearest shop that 
  carries a "decent" selection.  That doesn't seem like much to
  someone that has been paddling for awhile but for a beginner
  it's a bit daunting.

  BTW, I also found my fiberglass boat through the internet
  (as well as my ww boat, and my paddles).  Since I don't own
  a car I took a 4 1/2 bus ride to NYC, than an hour train ride
  to the shop.  I wouldn't have traveled that far if I was unsure
  that I was really going to *like* sea kayaking.

--
John Fereira
jaf30_at_cornell.edu
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From: Chris & Ellen Kohut <chriskayak_at_earthlink.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Mon, 21 Jun 1999 22:16:36 -0400
    Tupperware, (actually it is the same stuff ....ergo the moniker),
might be more affectionate and less disparaging.......    but the truly
snobby......... such as skin boat enthusiasts refer to their rotomold
cousins
    as 'yogurt cups'.    (I ought to know.....I are one-- that's skin
boat enthusiast, not yogurt cup),  now that's disparaging!

    As in one Swedish builder who states, " Why spend your precious
water time paddling
    a yogurt cup?"

    Everybody starts somewhere..........I started with a homemade skin
on aluminum framed monstrosity that my Dad and I blissfully sewed
together (as in, ignorance is bliss), that was so crude that it had a
square manhole and no need for a spray skirt, as a
    coaming occurred to no one in construction.........but man,  wasn't
I king of the Millstone River back in 1963!!!
    Skupper Pro......why not?   Seacret, sure I've had 'em.
Kyook......sure!  Loved 'em all!   Lawd! I've even surfed a Blazer
(that's Perception, not Chevy)_in the ocean here in
JAW-juh!    Now that's about as poor a surf boat as you could ever
conceive ('bout all it does really well is backsurf the whitewater
pile)___ and I loved them ALL (at the moment).
        So what ever your hand finds to do do it with all  your might!
Get wet!  In any kayak whatsoever!  You won't be sorry.  You'll just
develop a roving eye.

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From: Rich Dempsey <rdempsey_at_wyoming.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Mon, 21 Jun 1999 18:59:53 -0600
"Tupperware" is an excellent term for the "oil-canning" of my heavily loaded
OT Disco in moving water... At first I thought it was a construction
material defect, not  the material/design defect it represents. Still we
have paddled  about 1200 miles in it on BIG Lakes and Rivers ) like
Alberta's Peace River in flood)....it is a beginners boat, and fit my early
interest and low skills, and budget. Next year , I am hoping to get a Bell
Northwoods, either in glass or kevlar.

I know you are discussing kayaks, but it applies to canoes as well.
And..AH!!! the epiphany when I first travel in a "top of the line boat"  .
(GRIN)
-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Ives <ssives_at_erols.com>
To: John Fereira <fereira_at_albert.mannlib.cornell.edu>
Cc: jrowland_at_sprynet.com <jrowland_at_sprynet.com>;
PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net <PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Date: Monday, June 21, 1999 4:04 PM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again

>   I didn't meant to sound disparaging when I used the term "tupperware",
>please accept my apologies.



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From: John Winters <735769_at_ican.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 1999 07:27:46 -0400
As for the differences between laminated and poly boats, poly boats
generally weigh more than equivalent laminated boats although some builders
build rather heavy glass boats. The weight does make a difference mostly
because the ends have high concentrations of material that increase the
moment of inertia.

Poly does distort over time (and with heat) more than laminated boats.

Poly does scratch differently from laminated boats by having raised hairs
of material that increase resistance over time more than similar scratches
on laminated boats that do not protrude from the surface.

The aesthetics of poly take a bit of getting used to (at least for me).
Some people object to the "waxy" look, lack of gloss, and lack of color
depth.

In a general sense Poly will take a lot more hard knocks so if you plan to
abuse your boat then that may make your decision for you.

Poly, whether used or new, generally costs less.

While I and others place great importance on performance the differences
between similar designs won't shake the earth. If performance has a low
priority for you why should you care what the self-styled purists think?

Re-sale value depends so much upon condition that you may do just as well
with a poly boat as a laminated boat. I have no good feel for this. Boat
prices seem to vary according to the phases of the moon or something.

Repair of broken poly boats (it does happen) can pose problems. I have
heard no long term durability reports on repairs. perhaps someone who has
had a poly boat fixed will know. Even badly damaged laminated boats can be
fixed by the owner.

ETC,

Cheers,
John Winters
Redwing Designs
Specialists in Human Powered Watercraft
http://home.ican.net/~735769/





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From: Steve Cramer <cramer_at_coe.uga.edu>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 08:15:29 -0400 (EDT)
On Thu, 22 Jul 1999, John Winters wrote:

> Poly does scratch differently from laminated boats by having raised hairs
> of material that increase resistance over time more than similar scratches
> on laminated boats that do not protrude from the surface.
> 
The question I was interested in the answer to was do these scratches make
a detectable difference in the performance? Greg Barton can probably tell
the difference. A test tank can probably tell the difference. Would be
expect anyone else to be able to tell the difference between a new poly
hull and a scratched one? 

No question that glass hulls are prettier. Although it's rare to see the
multicolor effects that Perception and Dagger do in plastic done in glass.

Steve Cramer                     
Test Scoring & Reporting Services      Sometimes you never can 
University of Georgia                    always tell what you 
Athens, GA 30602-5593                      least expect the most.


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From: <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 09:21:36 -0700
Just a couple of comments in support and expansion of several of John's
points below about polyethylene kayaks:

John Winters wrote:
> 
> As for the differences between laminated and poly boats, poly boats
> generally weigh more than equivalent laminated boats although some builders
> build rather heavy glass boats. The weight does make a difference mostly
> because the ends have high concentrations of material that increase the
> moment of inertia.

This concentration of weight at the ends often makes poly boats a bit
harder to solo carry than a laminated glass or other material boat.  If
in your shoulder carry the boat goes off horizontal a bit and you start
correcting, you get a seesaw effect that can be difficult to correct and
makes the carry more tiring than in a similar weight laminated boat.  I
found that out years ago when I would have difficulty carrying a Chinook I
was using but not at all a longer laminated boat.
 
> Poly does distort over time (and with heat) more than laminated boats.
> 
> Poly does scratch differently from laminated boats by having raised hairs
> of material that increase resistance over time more than similar scratches
> on laminated boats that do not protrude from the surface.
> 
> The aesthetics of poly take a bit of getting used to (at least for me).
> Some people object to the "waxy" look, lack of gloss, and lack of color
> depth.
> SNIPPED
> While I and others place great importance on performance the differences
> between similar designs won't shake the earth. If performance has a low
> priority for you why should you care what the self-styled purists think?

For the average paddler the difference in performance is not
earthshaking and likely to be hardly noticeable.  Ah but the mystique
and prestige of laminates probably puts more buzz in your pants, makes
you stand taller than the person in poly.

Just one other difference that I would like to add.  The coamings on
poly boats are not as sharp as those on laminated kayaks.  Therefore
they don't hold a sprayskirt as well.  

> Repair of broken poly boats (it does happen) can pose problems. I have
> heard no long term durability reports on repairs. perhaps someone who has
> had a poly boat fixed will know. Even badly damaged laminated boats can be
> fixed by the owner.

My understanding from people who advise on repairs of poly boats is that
after a certain age, the stiffening of the poly makes it more difficult
for a repair with more pliable fresh material to adhere well.  The
laminates can be repaired for quite a few years more than a poly boat
can be fixed.

ralph diaz


-- 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------


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From: Bob Denton <BDenton_at_aquagulf.com>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 08:17:34 -0400
The percentages don't really work that way. An average plastic touring boat
with hatches, etc weighs around 70 lbs. A typical glass boat weighs 50 lbs.
and Kevlar around 40 lbs. BIG difference between hefting a 70 lb. boat and a
40lb boat after a long days paddle! Big difference between a 50 lb. and 40lb
boat!

cya
>>>>
A glass boat is lighter then a plastic boat of the same design, for
sure. Of course, if you look at the whole package of boat, paddler,
food, camping gear, etc, it works out to be about 3% lighter. And about
75% more expensive.  

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From: Steve Cramer <cramer_at_coe.uga.edu>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 22:42:46 -0400 (EDT)
On Tue, 22 Jun 1999, Bob Denton wrote:

> The percentages don't really work that way. An average plastic touring boat
> with hatches, etc weighs around 70 lbs. A typical glass boat weighs 50 lbs.
> and Kevlar around 40 lbs. BIG difference between hefting a 70 lb. boat and a
> 40lb boat after a long days paddle! Big difference between a 50 lb. and 40lb
> boat!
> 
> > A glass boat is lighter then a plastic boat of the same design, for
> > sure. Of course, if you look at the whole package of boat, paddler,
> > food, camping gear, etc, it works out to be about 3% lighter. And
> > about 75% more expensive.  
> 
As I think is clear from what you quoted, I was referring to the boat as
it is being paddled on a tour, not as it is being lifted onto the car.
Definitely, it makes a difference, but I don't have any particular problem
hoisting my plastic Sea Lion onto the top of the truck at the end of the
day. It's no heavier than my WW canoe, which is also plastic.

Steve Cramer                     
Test Scoring & Reporting Services      Sometimes you never can 
University of Georgia                    always tell what you 
Athens, GA 30602-5593                      least expect the most.


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From: Bob Denton <bdenton_at_aquagulf.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Thu, 24 Jun 1999 08:32:47 -0400
I have a friend who blew his back out lifting his boat on to the roof of his
van. THEN he bought a superlight Kevlar boat but it was too late. He can no
longer paddle...

Kevlar is cheaper then back surgery!

cya
----- Original Message -----
From: Steve Cramer <cramer_at_coe.uga.edu>
To: Paddlewise <paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 1999 10:42 PM
Subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again


> On Tue, 22 Jun 1999, Bob Denton wrote:
>
> > The percentages don't really work that way. An average plastic touring
boat
> > with hatches, etc weighs around 70 lbs. A typical glass boat weighs 50
lbs.
> > and Kevlar around 40 lbs. BIG difference between hefting a 70 lb. boat
and a
> > 40lb boat after a long days paddle! Big difference between a 50 lb. and
40lb
> > boat!
> >
> > > A glass boat is lighter then a plastic boat of the same design, for
> > > sure. Of course, if you look at the whole package of boat, paddler,
> > > food, camping gear, etc, it works out to be about 3% lighter. And
> > > about 75% more expensive.
> >
> As I think is clear from what you quoted, I was referring to the boat as
> it is being paddled on a tour, not as it is being lifted onto the car.
> Definitely, it makes a difference, but I don't have any particular problem
> hoisting my plastic Sea Lion onto the top of the truck at the end of the
> day. It's no heavier than my WW canoe, which is also plastic.
>
> Steve Cramer
> Test Scoring & Reporting Services      Sometimes you never can
> University of Georgia                    always tell what you
> Athens, GA 30602-5593                      least expect the most.
>
>
>
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>
>

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From: John Fereira <fereira_at_albert.mannlib.cornell.edu>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Thu, 24 Jun 99 10:27:27 EDT
> 
> I have a friend who blew his back out lifting his boat on to the roof of his
> van. THEN he bought a superlight Kevlar boat but it was too late. He can no
> longer paddle...
> 
> Kevlar is cheaper then back surgery!
  
  So is learning how to lift correctly.

--
John Fereira
jaf30_at_cornell.edu
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From: <BijiliE_at_aol.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 11:36:34 EDT
John Winters said: << I have heard no long term durability reports on 
repairs. perhaps someone who has had a poly boat fixed will know.  >>

I have an old yellow Aquaterra Spectrum that fell off a moving trailer 
(before I owned it), and had a huge hole in the bow. It was welded with 
yellow plastic in a very messy manner, but it seemed to hold OK until I 
bumped into a rock while moving fairly rapidly downstream on the Truckee 
River. The weld came loose a little and the boat was leaking. So I found an 
industrial plastic welder who fixed it very neatly, but with white plastic so 
it doesn't match my boat's color. Anyway, I haven't had any problems since, 
but the bulkhead does leak and I need to seal it occasionally.

BijiliE
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From: John Winters <735769_at_ican.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 1999 19:21:06 -0400
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Cramer <cramer_at_coe.uga.edu>
To: Paddlewise <paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Date: June 22, 1999 8:16 AM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again


>
>> Poly does scratch differently from laminated boats by having raised
hairs
>> of material that increase resistance over time more than similar
scratches
>> on laminated boats that do not protrude from the surface.
>>
>The question I was interested in the answer to was do these scratches make
>a detectable difference in the performance? Greg Barton can probably tell
>the difference. A test tank can probably tell the difference. Would be
>expect anyone else to be able to tell the difference between a new poly
>hull and a scratched one?

At the end of a long day it does make a difference but I doubt if many
people can get in a scratched boat a tell it has more resistance without a
smooth boat to compare it with.

I have this little story to support the point. Some years back a person who
owned one of my canoe designs came to me asking if I had redesigned the
boat. He said that a friend had bought a new one and it was faster than his
old model. He said he tried the new boat and there was no question it was
faster.

Now the interesting part. Both boats came from the same mold and weighed
within five pounds of each other. The only difference seemed to be the
badly scratched bottom of the old boat.

So, can you tell the difference? Maybe not. But, on the other hand it
exists and maybe so given the proper circumstances. For the numerically
infatuated I increase the coefficient of friction by 0.001 for poly boats
in KAPER. It seems to fit the test tank data we have.

>
>No question that glass hulls are prettier. Although it's rare to see the
>multicolor effects that Perception and Dagger do in plastic done in glass.

Hmmm, some people would not consider that "better" aesthetically. :-)

As the Devil once said, "Pretty, but is it art?"

Cheers,
John Winters
Redwing Designs
Specialists in Human Powered Watercraft
http://home.ican.net/~735769/

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From: Steve Cramer <cramer_at_coe.uga.edu>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 22:53:05 -0400 (EDT)
On Thu, 22 Jul 1999, John Winters wrote:

> >The question I was interested in the answer to was do these scratches make
> >a detectable difference in the performance?
> 
> At the end of a long day it does make a difference but I doubt if many
> people can get in a scratched boat a tell it has more resistance without a
> smooth boat to compare it with.
> 
> I have this little story to support the point. Some years back a person who
> owned one of my canoe designs came to me asking if I had redesigned the
> boat. He said that a friend had bought a new one and it was faster than his
> old model. He said he tried the new boat and there was no question it was
> faster.
> 
> Now the interesting part. Both boats came from the same mold and weighed
> within five pounds of each other. The only difference seemed to be the
> badly scratched bottom of the old boat.
> 
> So, can you tell the difference? Maybe not. But, on the other hand it
> exists and maybe so given the proper circumstances.

Those were glass boats, weren't they, John? The ones that aren't supposed
to be subject to performance-impairing scratches?

> >No question that glass hulls are prettier. Although it's rare to see the
> >multicolor effects that Perception and Dagger do in plastic done in glass.
> 
> Hmmm, some people would not consider that "better" aesthetically. :-)

Point taken. Somebody must like it. Steve Scarborough, maybe.
> 
> As the Devil once said, "Pretty, but is it art?"

Was he talking about kayaks?

Steve Cramer                     
Test Scoring & Reporting Services      Sometimes you never can 
University of Georgia                    always tell what you 
Athens, GA 30602-5593                      least expect the most.


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From: Robert J. Matter <rjmatter_at_netnitco.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 23:04:13 -0500
I bought a poly boat from Rutabaga in Madison, WI.  They apply your full
poly boat purchase price towards a regularly priced glass or kevlar boat
within two years of the date of purchase should you decide to upgrade 
(that does not apply to WW boats though). 

I wanted to "get my feet wet" and make my mistakes with a poly.  I have
already learned a lot.  Two weeks ago I learned from a colleague that
glass boats should stay away from breakwalls.  I also learned that glass
boats that get broken in half at sea are not covered under standard home
owners insurance. 


-Bob Matter
----------------------------------------------
http://ww2.netnitco.net/users/rjmatter

Protect privacy, boycott Intel:
http://www.bigbrotherinside.org 
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From: John Winters <735769_at_ican.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 1999 06:04:00 -0400
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Cramer <cramer_at_coe.uga.edu>
To: Paddlewise <paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Date: June 22, 1999 10:56 PM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again


(SNIP)
>
>Those were glass boats, weren't they, John? The ones that aren't supposed
>to be subject to performance-impairing scratches?

Scratches hurt, even the recessed type that occur on FRP. They just hurt
less than the kind that protrude into the free stream.

>
>> >No question that glass hulls are prettier. Although it's rare to see
the
>> >multicolor effects that Perception and Dagger do in plastic done in
glass.
>>
>> Hmmm, some people would not consider that "better" aesthetically. :-)
>
>Point taken. Somebody must like it. Steve Scarborough, maybe.

And I do have to admit that they have done quite well selling those things.
Still.........

>>
>> As the Devil once said, "Pretty, but is it art?"
>
>Was he talking about kayaks?

If he wasn't he missed a good opportunity. :-)

Cheers,
John Winters
Redwing Designs
Specialists in Human Powered Watercraft
http://home.ican.net/~735769/

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From: Matt Broze <mkayaks_at_oz.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Wed, 23 Jun 1999 22:22:32 -0700
-----Original Message-----
From: John Fereira <fereira_at_albert.mannlib.cornell.edu>
To: Jeff Rowland <jrowland_at_sprynet.com>
Cc: PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net <PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Date: Sunday, June 20, 1999 5:46 AM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again


>I put together a list of what I considered top of the line plastic
>boats awhile back.  Here's what I had on it:
>
>Plastic Boats
>
>Vendor           Model           Length  Width  Weight  Rudder Price
>=====================================================================
>Aquaterra        Sea Lion        17'2"   22.5"  67.5lbs  opt.  $1199
>Aquaterra        Shadow          16'8"   22"    62.5lbs  opt.  $1199
>Aquaterra        Eclipse         17'2"  22.5"   64.5lbs  opt.  $1199
>Current Designs  Storm           17'     24"    64lbs    opt.  ?????
>Current Designs  Squall          16'6"   22"    61lbs    opt.  ?????
>Dagger           Magellen        16'6"   22.5"  62lbs    opt.  $999
>Dagger           Atlantis        17'2"   23.5"  69lbs    opt.  ?????
>Necky            Looksha IV      17'     22"    53lbs    opt.  $1188
>Northwest kayak  Pursuit RM      16'10"  22"    65lbs    opt.  $1095
>Old Town         Millennium 174  17'4"   22.5"  60lbs    opt.  $????
>P&H              Capella         16'5"   22"    58.6lbs  skeg  ?????
>Prijon           Seayak          16'1"   24"    56lbs    opt.  $999
>Wilderness Sys.  Epic            17'     22"    59lbs    opt.  $1149
>Wilderness Sys.  Sealution II    16'6"   22"    57lbs    opt.  $1149
>Wilderness Sys.  Sealution II/XL 17'     23"    60lbs    opt.  $1199
>Valley (VCP)     Skerray RM      17'     23"    56lbs    skeg  $1355
>John Fereira
>jaf30_at_cornell.edu

I wouldn't pay too much attention to the weights on this list and if you go
shopping for a kayak bring a bathroom scale with you if the weight is
important to you. The above weights were probably advertised weights. Sea
Kayaker magazine weighed a few of these (that were provided by the
manufacturer or distributor) and here is what they got:
Dagger Magellan  59.8 lbs.
Prijon Seayak   77 lbs.
Wilderness Systems Epic  78.5 lbs.
I don't know what the real weights are on the others but I wouldn't pay too
much attention to any "advertised weight". To be fair I have seen fiberglass
kayaks that I weighed to be 15 lbs. heavier than advertised as well. Bring
your own scale.
Matt Broze
http://www.marinerkayaks.com
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From: Matt Broze <mkayaks_at_oz.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Thu, 24 Jun 1999 00:02:39 -0700
-----Original Message-----
From: John Fereira <fereira_at_albert.mannlib.cornell.edu>
To: Alex Ferguson <a.ferguson_at_chem.canterbury.ac.nz>
Cc: PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net <PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Date: Monday, June 21, 1999 7:01 PM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again



>  There are at least a couple of plastic boats that have welded
>  plastic bulkheads (the VCP Skerray RM, for one).  I understand
>  that foam bulkheads leak, but how long do they generally last
>  before they start leaking?  If it's only a year or two, that
>  would seem to be long enough to decide whether to fix it or
>  upgrade to glass.
When asked by a customer if the caulked in foam bulkheads were watertight
the designer and retailer of one model would answer that they were
"guaranteed to leak in a week". I may be a little out of date here but
nothing much sticks to polyethelene very long. How to you fix it once you
have decided to?

When I called one designer of a plastic kayak (same one) to asked if he had
changed the design. I was curious because when I retested it it now turned
about twice as fast and didn't track worth a darn anymore. He informed me
that the design hadn't been changed but that no two plastic kayaks of the
same model are the same. It seems the highest paid guy in the factory was
the guy who tried to wrestle them into shape once they came out of the mold
(all soft and rubbery) before they cooled ans stiffened up. Since then I
have retested my turning times on several plastic kayak models and while
none showed the extreme differences of that first one there was definitely
an inconsistency that was not there on retests of fiberglass models unless
there was a design change. Lesson: If you plan to buy a plastic kayak test
the very one you are thinking of buying, not just a demonstrator. Once you
buy it be very careful in storage not to hang it or set it in a way that it
can sag out of shape. This can be especially severe in hot climates or
locations. Do not store them in the sun either because the sun (as well as
ozone and breakdown products of natural gas--among others--I imagine) cause
the plastic to lose plasticizer more readily and this results in premature
brittleness. The life of even a well cared for plastic kayak is far shorter
than most fiberglass kayaks due to this plasticizer migration. Once a
plastic kayak that has become brittle cracks, trying to repair it is
probably not only futile but potentially dangerous because it is likely to
just crack again somewhere else maybe at an inoportune time. The "repairs" I
have seen done to plastic were grotesque. Severely damaged glass kayaks can
be made to look almost new.
While I have paddled some plastic kayaks that I liked a lot better than some
fiberglass ones I paddled the same day my general impression has been that
they feel "dead" as opposed to "lively". I'm not sure why but I suspect it
may have something to do with flexing and absorbing some of the energy of my
stroke. Also the heavier weight may contribute to the feeling of a lack of
acceleration when starting one up. My first thought is often  "am I dragging
something?" and then after looking back to see, I realize "oh yeah, plastic,
why do I forget to expect that heavy dead feeling and get surprised every
time."

The towing tank tests Sea Kayaker did back in 1986 suggest that there is
more drag on a plastic kayak than a glass one even when they are both new.
Once they get scratched up the difference becomes much greater because
roughness sticking out into the flow causes far more drag than the inward
(scratches and gouges) roughness that happens to fiberglass gelcoat.
There are some fiberglass kayaks that aren't much more expensive than
plastic ones that I like a lot better than any plastic kayak I've ever used
(but since I sell them maybe I shouldn't mention them by name as that might
seem too commercial--even though they are sold many other places as well as
by me and I have no other connection to the company.)

Comparing toughness between plastic and fiberglass is rarely done by using
the same weight kayak. A well made 78 pound fiberglass kayak would be
extremely hard to break. Rarely does a paddler need that kind of toughness
and most gladly trade some of it away for something they can lift onto their
car by themselves. Most sea kayaks made of plastic need to be thicker (and
therefore heavier) to get enough stiffness just to hold their shape.
Matt Broze
http://www.marinerkayaks.com

>

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From: Dave Kruger <dkruger_at_pacifier.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Thu, 24 Jun 1999 01:57:29 -0700
Matt Broze wrote:

[mongo snip]
> There are some fiberglass kayaks that aren't much more expensive than
> plastic ones that I like a lot better than any plastic kayak I've ever used
> (but since I sell them maybe I shouldn't mention them by name as that might
> seem too commercial--even though they are sold many other places as well as
> by me and I have no other connection to the company.)

While we are comparing composite (fiberglas, kevlar/polyester, epoxy) and
polyethylene kayaks, how about tossing in the polycarbonate options, such as
the yaks Eddyline manufactures?  (I think Eddyline calls their polycarbonate
"Carbonlite" or somesuch.)

I believe polycarbonate is not repairable.  OTOH, the yaks I have seen made
from polycarbonate look to be more consistent in shape than polyethylene
units, are lighter than polyethylene, and I believe are only a little more
expensive than "high end" polyethylene boats.

Is polycarbonate a reasonable choice for someone looking for an entry-level
boat, but who does not want polyethylene?

Just asking -- I have no connection to Eddyline or the polycarbonate people. 
I do own a couple FG/polyester Eddyline yaks, though.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
Wind Dancer (the cargo barge)
Sea Star (a faster cargo barge)
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From: Matt Broze <mkayaks_at_oz.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Thu, 24 Jun 1999 00:08:28 -0700
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Cramer <cramer_at_coe.uga.edu>
To: Paddlewise <paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Date: Tuesday, June 22, 1999 5:56 AM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again


>On Thu, 22 Jul 1999, John Winters wrote:
>
>> Poly does scratch differently from laminated boats by having raised hairs
>> of material that increase resistance over time more than similar
scratches
>> on laminated boats that do not protrude from the surface.
>>
>The question I was interested in the answer to was do these scratches make
>a detectable difference in the performance? Greg Barton can probably tell
>the difference. A test tank can probably tell the difference. Would be
>expect anyone else to be able to tell the difference between a new poly
>hull and a scratched one?

guys I used to surf kayak with who had poly river boats would take a
blowtorch to burn off the fuzzies. They said it made quite a difference at
surfing speeds.
>
>No question that glass hulls are prettier. Although it's rare to see the
>multicolor effects that Perception and Dagger do in plastic done in glass.
>
>Steve Cramer
>Test Scoring & Reporting Services      Sometimes you never can
>University of Georgia                    always tell what you
>Athens, GA 30602-5593                      least expect the most.
>
>
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From: Matt Broze <mkayaks_at_oz.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Thu, 24 Jun 1999 00:35:17 -0700
-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Daly <michaeldaly_at_home.com>
Cc: Paddlewise <paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Date: Tuesday, June 22, 1999 6:24 PM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again


>rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com wrote:
>
>> Just one other difference that I would like to add.  The coamings on
>> poly boats are not as sharp as those on laminated kayaks.  Therefore
>> they don't hold a sprayskirt as well.
>>
>
>There are spray skirts designed just for plastic boats that would be ripped
>up by a fiberglass coaming.  The Perception skirt for my Pirouette holds
>tight as a drum - better than the one for my fg sea kayak.  The WW skirt
>has a heavy rubber rand around the edge and a thick wedge-shaped
>rubber rim on the bottom that fits the plastic coaming snugly.
>
>It is true that if you use a regular neoprene-to-the-edge style skirt on
the
>plastic boat it will tend to slip off.  I use the SK skirt on my Pirouette
in
>the pool (since it's beat up and I don't worry about the effects of the
>chlorine*) and it slips and leaks somewhat more than I like.  It works
>fine on the SK, however.   So choose the skirt to match the boat.
>
>Mike
>
>*actually - it's a way of getting to buy a spiffy new SK skirt... not
>working though :-(

WARNING! USING A SPRAYDECK THAT IS DESIGNED FOR A PLASTIC KAYAK ON A
FIBERGLASS COAMING COULD TRAP YOU IN THE KAYAK. BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL TO TEST
REVOVING THE SPRAYDECK WITH THIS COMBINATION BEFORE PADDLING WITH IT!
MATT BROZE

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From: Dave Uebele <daveu_at_sptddog.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Your expertise needed again
Date: Thu, 24 Jun 1999 04:18:34 -0700
Dave Kruger wrote:
>
> Matt Broze wrote:
>
> [mongo snip]
> > There are some fiberglass kayaks that aren't much more expensive than
> > plastic ones that I like a lot better than any plastic kayak I've ever used
> > (but since I sell them maybe I shouldn't mention them by name as that might
> > seem too commercial--even though they are sold many other places as well as
> > by me and I have no other connection to the company.)
>
> While we are comparing composite (fiberglas, kevlar/polyester, epoxy) and
> polyethylene kayaks, how about tossing in the polycarbonate options, such as
> the yaks Eddyline manufactures?  (I think Eddyline calls their polycarbonate
> "Carbonlite" or somesuch.)

Another material that has not come up, is wood core, epoxy/fiberglass
encapsulation.  There are several outfits that sell wood kayaks in
kit forms, or plans to build them.  Prices can be quite reasonable,
though only if you are willing to put in the labor to build them.
"Stitch and glue", and "strip built" are the two most common
methods. Oops, almost forgot to mention skin frame types.

I'm moving from a rotomolded double to a pygmy "Coho" wooden kit
myself. I should be able to give comparisons soon. I'm finishing up
foot pedals and bulkheads/hatches now, so a test launch will be happening
soon.

yes, its harder to test paddle in advance.
Repairs should be possible, after all, you built it, you should
be able to repair it.  Actually, the biggest cost seems
to be latex gloves, foam brushes/rollers, and other disposable items you
use during the building process.
 
dave

-- 
Dave Uebele (daveu_at_sptddog.com)	 Spotted Dog Systems
http://sptddog.com/daveu.html
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