: I suppose, the analysis typically involves energy consumed in creating the
: materials and during construction, environmental impact of waste during
: the construction and after use, as well as the overall length of use.

A properly built and maintained S&G should outlive any paddler. I can't see outliving the ones I have constructed. For the energy and materials put into it, I think the environmental impact is far far less than producing anything made out of plastic.

: When I built my S&G, it was an eye opener how much waste was created during
: the process. After the use of the epoxy, the boat becomes 'more' of a
: plastic boat, than a wooden one. Also, it would seem that the fiberglass
: used will be around for a very long time after the kayak has lost its use.

Hmm, how does a kayak lose its use? I can see a plastic kayak losing its use through wear and tear but I certainly can't see a hand-built kayak losing its use unless all maintenance on it has stopped and it has been left outside to weather in the UV produced by the sun.

: We obviously cannot go back to putting animal skins on wooden frames (would
: that really lower the environmental impact?)

Yes we can...I know a few politicians, oil company execs, bankers, investors, federal judges, criminals and many others who could provide skins for a SOF. The world would be a better place without 'em, as would the environment.

Robert N Pruden