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Course Outline

The hull material affects the durability, maintenance, weight, and cost of your paddlecraft.

Polyethylene Plastic Hulls:
  • Are lightweight, extremely impact resistant, and easy to repair.
  • Are often the least expensive hull type.
PolyLink3/Triple Tough Hulls:
  • Consist of a foam core between polyethylene layers.
  • Are durable and lightweight, with additional flotation and insulation.
  • Are available at affordable prices.
Fiberglass Hulls:
  • Are lightweight, impact resistant, and easy to repair.
  • Are available at affordable prices.
Thermoform or ABS Hulls:
  • Are similar to fiberglass hulls but are more impact resistant.
  • Are lighter and stiffer than polyethylene.
  • Are available at midrange prices.
Kevlar Hulls:
  • Are extremely lightweight yet very strong.
  • Are more difficult to repair.
  • May cost several times more than a polyethylene or fiberglass hull of equal quality.
Aluminum Hulls:
  • Almost never wear out, although they tend to dent and bend when struck with sufficient force.
  • Are not easy to repair when torn or cracked; they require an aluminum patch.
  • Tend to catch on rocks where synthetic materials tend to slide off.
  • Have been replaced in most modern paddlecraft by newer materials.
  • Are available at affordable prices.
Wooden or Wooden Strip Hulls:
  • Are impact resistant, but tend to be heavy.
  • May cost more than most other hull types.
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