: Anyone know a good source to get objective views on rotomold vs. high density
: vs. fiberglass vs. etc. etc. on performance, integrity, etc.? I'm tired of
: hearing everyone's personal views and want pure objectivity (if there is
: such a thing) Thanks to anyone that can help. Dave

The best "unbiased" information I've been able to find has been from manufacturers of canoes who have multiple product lines, with some boats made from each different material or construction method. They want you to buy one of their boats. I'm working on the assumption that they don't care if you get Royalex, polyethylene, or fiberglass, as long as they get the sale.

We-no-nah Canoes (www.wenonah.com) is one company that sells canoes made of various plastics, and also has some woodstrip models. Check out their catalog. I believe it is free and they should mail it to you if you request one from their web site.

There are various books on canoes ( maybe more so than on kayaks) which devote chapters to the pros and cons of various designs, and construction techniques.
You can get about the same info there. Check at your local library.

Building a mold for ANY type of molded boat is a significant business cost. Before a reputable company commits to this cost they want to be sure the boat's design is a good one. Typically molded boats are extensively tested (by reputable companies at least) so there are a lot of stats available on any given molded hull. To do the preliminarym testing they build samples -- and they have historically built the samples with wood strip construction.

If you have the ideas in your head, you can do this type of construction yourself and get a boat this year that is as technically advanced as one that will roll off of some production line next year.

hope this helps.

PGJ