Re: [Paddlewise] Durability

I totally agree that anecdotal evidence is just that.

Tests could probably be (have been????) done with sample pieces of fabrics.
Much more uniform than busting up different boats and cheaper too.

Tests for breaking point, puncture resistance etc. could probably be easily
done.  The problem is all the different things to be tested.  Hand-laid and
vacuum bagged; glass; multi layers in various directional layups, kevlar,
carbon and combinations thereof. Carbon-kevlar (woven together in same
cloth); glass over wood and then add finishes from clear-coat (popular on
expensive fabrics to show them off) to various thicknesses of gel-coat not
to mention different types of epoxy or other resins used.

The thing to do would be duplicate pieces of layup for various manufactures
(or get them to provide them if they dare).  Break and punch holes in them,
then publish the results.

Seems Sea-kayaker or some other publication could have a ball with it not to
mention follow ups as various other layups are offered.  And once the first
test is done, costs for all subsequent tests would be very low.

Or else some manufacturer who had confidence in their product would have
them done and then be able to add a great selling-point when presenting
their boats.  I intend to order a boat this spring and such info would rate
VERY high on things I would be considering.

There would be arguments about test methods and standards but the first one
to actually perform the tests and publish them would pretty much set the
standards.

I think it would be a great winter project for someone with more academic
experience than me.

Bob

----- Original Message -----
From: Peter Treby <ptreby_at_ozemail.com.au>
To: <jmyers_at_longbranch.k12.nj.us>; Paddlewise
<paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 1999 1:47 PM
  I haven't noticed any objective measurements of boat strength
> claimed by manufacturers. How would strength be measured? Chain the boat
from
> both ends and drive a truck over? I wonder if any non-destructive testing
could
> be devised. Otherwise, all the boat buyer has to go on is anecdotal
evidence
> from paddlers, for instance via this list, or self serving claims by
> manufacturers. Does anyone know of objective strength measurement for
kayaks?



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