Wardie,
One other consideration is how much you expect to beat the living daylights out of your boat. When I was learning to paddle, it seemed like the more battered your boat, the better in an odd sort of way. And so another reason I bought a royalex canoe is for the pounding they could take. But Rich is probably correct about the boat gaining weight. After trips, I wonder sometimes if nicks in the royalex allow water to be absorbed in the foam layer. Or maybe I'm just tired at day's end.
One of the really nice things about Rich's boat is how it knifes through the water. I probably have to take three strokes for every one of his to travel the same distance.
And, of course, Rich is correct again...how can I cheat on the old gal? I think someday it's just going to crumble apart like crazed, dried out plastic.
jp
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