Canoe Repair - Motorized Canoe Build (Part 2)

[@lonelyocean9503]

Wouldn’t it make more sense to start with a metal or fiberglass canoe?

[@greenlizardusa3105]

Thanks @Lonely Ocean! I really want a boat that will do well in the rocky rivers of Virginia, specifically the James River. The plastic is more "slippery" than aluminum, and will handle a lot more abuse while bumping a dragging on rocks. What's been your experience with aluminum or fiberglass? I've actually been looking at a 20' aluminum one for a "speed" build:)

[@lonelyocean9503]

@@greenlizardusa3105 had an old Grumman canoe once. Never beat it on rocks though, so I can’t speak for it in that capacity. I’m just looking at it from a standpoint of rigidity and ease of alteration, I suppose. Plastic is (to me) harder to work with than glass or aluminum when it comes to building out or attaching structure. On the other hand, you may well have experience with plastic welding and adhesives that I do not. Either way, I really look forward to seeing how this turns out!

[@greenlizardusa3105]

@Lonely Ocean Thanks for the suggestions. You're right about the ease of adding structures, and that will be a challenge for me for sure. I'll need to learn about plastic welding, and I'm hoping I can bolt much of what I'm thinking right on.