Why is fiberglass better than polyethylene for kayaks? Thanx! Mike D.

(The preceding was just sent to in the form of an email. I thought Mike might benefit from multiple perspectives.)

There is a lot to say in response to Mike's question about fiberglass versus plastic kayaks. This question doesn't have a short or simple answer,

Fiberglass kayaks are generally lighter and stiffer than plastic (polyethylene kayaks). The weight difference is noticed mostly when portaging your kayak or loading it onto your vehicle. The added stiffness of fiberglass kayaks makes them a bit more efficient in the water, which means you can cover more distance for the same amount of effort (or get there faster).

Most agree that fiberglass kayaks are better looking. And in many ways they are also more durable and retain their value better over time. Plastic scratches more easily, develops dents or warps more easily, and degrades more quickly from exposure to sunlight.

On the other hand, plastic kayaks are less expensive and are less easily damaged by impact with rocks.

Both fiberglass and plastic kayaks are lighter and more durable than those available 15 years ago. Plastic kayaks have shown the most improvement, and have somewhat narrowed the gap between fiberglass and plastic. But the gap still exists. Most serious kayakers paddle fiberglass or kevlar boats.

For more insights (and rank opinion) you might check http://www.touringkayaks.com/faq_2.htm and
http://www.kayakshops.com/solitaire_boats/article_materials.htm
Poly-boaters, this is your time to stand and be counted!

I also like the fact that fibreglass is easy to repair and modify. If you want a cheap kayak that you are not afraid to cut up and experiment with the Sea Knife of Newfoundland is an excellent choice. www.seaknife.com

It is probably the cheapest fibreglass kayak on the market and is very fast and easy to paddle. The hatches and cockpit combing are very poor and you will soon have a do-it-yourselfer without much in the way of resale value. Still, it is a great boat to experiment with until you know what you want and have time to build one out of wood.

there is fiberglass and kevelar---what you have to ask yourself is "are the advantages of fiberglass and kevelar over poly worth the extra 500 to 1500 dollars that you will have to pay"? In terms of weight advantage you are talking between 5 and 10 lbs diffence between poly and fg/kevlar(kevelar is closer to 10 lbs--also closer to 1500 dollars more). The 5 lbs weight advantage of fg is less then one gallon of water that you carry to drink. In terms of longevity, poly takes abuse a lot better then fg but it can scratch easier on gravel barnicles etc. The main reason why "serious" kayakers have prefered fg over poly is the tendency of poly to "oilcan" (bottom warp) over years of use. This tendancy is not as common with the newer poly boats which tend to be made stiffer than the older models of years past. As far a aesthetics go, I will pit my Wilderness Systems Tempest poly 170 with the "sunset" color scheme against any thing in finberglass or plastic. And the only reason why there are scratches on the bottom is that I don't feel the need to get out of my boat in 2 feet of water to carry it 100 yards to the beach to avoid damaging the 2500-3000 dollar hull. But then I only brought it brand new at an end of the season sale for 896 (including tax) dollars. For those of you who wish to spend more(and like to carry your boat as opposed to paddling it)you can purchase the same model in fiberglass for around 2200

re plasic vs fiberglass
tempest 170 for $896 end of season.

where did you shop for this one?

I bought it at Epic Sports in downtown Bangor Oct. 03 during their 33%off end of season sale---the deal was that you get 33% off and then throw dice and whatever number comes up(1-6) you get additional percentage off. I threw a 6. If you like the tempest check out epic sports and cadilac mountain sports in ellesworth--cadilac mountain carries the F/G and kevelar models---despite what I said above F/G and kevlar do paddle easier and with about 20% less effort not only due to less weight but also due to the stiffness of the material. It really is a matter of money---shop the sales and see what works for you. I haven't regretted buying my RM tempest 170---but my next boat will probably be F/G or kevlar---but I'm looking for a deal. Also I will be keeping my current boat to use around rocky ledges and when I paddle with my wife--who will, of course, demand the more expensive kayak.

Check out the new TRIFLY kayak @ www.triflykayak.com

It mostly depends on whether you are seeking the lowest price or the finest quality. i would prefer fibre..as its lighter.

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IT provides you with guides, tips and informations on kayak sprinting, marathon, recreational. Sharing also, paddleing & rowing techniques, training plans, buying tips.

I paddled a lot of kayaks here in Alaska while trying to decide which to use for my kayak lodge. I chose fiberglass even though they are more likely to be damaged on our rocky shoreline. The difference in performance outweighs any and all disadvantages. And I find that my clients are more careful when they paddle a high quality boat. And since we use them practically every day in the summer, the weight makes a big difference when carrying the to and from launch sites. Not to mention carrying the up the beach to get above high tide line.
http://www.SitkaBay.com

Performance wise (speed), an engineer (kayak designer) told me 15% due to the difference is stiffness alone. Probably a small difference due to coefficients of friction between the plastic and the top coating of a glass boat.