Canoe materials

Here are the basics of picking a canoe based on materials:

Aluminum

“Boy Scout or family boat” Aluminum canoes have been around a long time.

• Pros: lesser expensive and more durable
• Cons: heavy
• Good for recreational canoeing or day trips.

Brian McDonell of MACs Canoe Livery and Outfitters says that although aluminum canoes have been used to portage (carry over land on long trips) in the past, “They are not for taking on a long canoe trip where you have to carry them for a while.”

Royalex and T-Formex

Plastic laminate material that for the most part have replaced aluminum canoes. They are often used as rental boats and are designed to take abuse.

• Pros: less expensive than Kevlar and very durable
• Cons: bulky and heavy
• Good for recreational canoeing or day trips. 

Fiberglass

The material is made from fabric and held together with resin. The earlier version of lighter weight paddle sport materials.

• Pros: lightweight
• Cons: more expensive 

Kevlar

Kevlar is a space age material. It is made from a fabric that is vacuum bagged with resin. The resin gives the Kevlar material shape and form. 

• Pros: lightweight and stiffer than fiberglass
• Cons: more expensive 

Wood stripped or wood canvas canoes:

This is a specialty market for people looking more on an aesthetic side.