Hull Materials

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

• Are lightweight, extremely impact resistant, and easy to repair.
• Are often the least expensive hull type.

• Consist of a foam core between polyethylene layers.
• Are durable and lightweight, with additional flotation and insulation.
• Are available at affordable prices.

• Are lightweight, impact resistant, and easy to repair.
• Are available at affordable prices.

• Are similar to fiberglass hulls but are more impact resistant.
• Are lighter and stiffer than polyethylene.
• Are available at midrange prices.

• 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.

• 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.

• Are impact resistant, but tend to be heavy.
• May cost more than most other hull types.