. I would also think that Mark L (as part of a long post I was mostly in agreement wrote this part that is so contrary to my experience that I'm wondering it he meant to say it): >>the tendency to lay up the boats by hand may reflect the fact that the Brits often confront far more difficult coastlines and conditions than Americans do. Thus, the need for a tougher boat. Hell. . . I'll take the easier coastlines any day, thank you. << Why aren't they all made in plastic then, Duane where are you. All kidding aside, I don't think you will find may experts who would claim that hand lay-ups are pound for pound tougher than vacuum-bagging. while it is often true that N.American manufacturers use the tougher vacuum-bagging process to make lighter and thinner laminates on their kayaks to satisfy the "lighter weight is better" market over here (and maybe their is often less need for heavyweight kayaks because of how many "sea" kayaks are used in America). . These lightweight vacuum-bagged boats are more subject to folding damage--even when, as often is the case the thin vacuum bagged boats are still tougher against impact damage because a much stronger woven roving cloth can be used and at higher glass densities--and there is more flexing to absorb a blow--this flexibility is also why new plastic kayaks are tough). The decks of most British kayaks seen in N.America have recessed deck fittings. The only feasible way to hand laminate over these bumps in the mold is to use chopped strand mat which must then be laid up much thicker to get sufficient strength from this relatively brittle resin rich material. Even though heavier these kayaks are not necessarily tougher. There is nothing about vacuum-bagging that means the laminate can not be made thicker and way tougher if one is willing to carry some extra weight. Mark continues: >>There is also a tendency to identify British boats with two or three designers -- Hutchinson and Nigel Dennis come to mind. That seems simplistic, as well. The whole thing is really a distraction, and of little if any real use. Just my opinion, worth what you paid for it.<< Yes, we tend to look at the British sea kayaking scene from the perspective of those who have only seen the kayaks that have been imported to North America. Matt Broze http://www.marinerkayaks.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon May 15 2000 - 04:49:07 PDT
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