I had similar questions for Bill about what would fit my needs best for tripping. He said their carbon layups have come a long way and the difference in toughness to their Kevlar fusion is negligible. That surprised me. I went with carbon, but I have no intentions running it down rocky rivers or...
I purchased a Swift recently and spoke to Bill a couple times. It was my understanding that the new optional epoxy resin will make which ever material you choose significantly more durable. I would give them a call for more info.
Bob
Oof that’s a hike for me considering I would have a less than ideal means to transport it.
That’s a generous offer. I’m sure someone will take you up on it.
If you have no takers and you need it gone, let me know and I will figure something out. Cutting it up would be heartbreaking!
Bob
I have a Katahdin. Similar lines and dimensions I believe. It paddles about as fast sideways as forward, but it is very stable if that’s what you are after. I was planning on selling it (cheap) this spring.
Bob
Got out yesterday with the new canoe. Thanks to Tsuga8 for finding open water and Simuliumvenustum for the input on the Keewaydin 16 Combi. It paddled beautifully.
Bob
I would call Jamestown distributors and speak with a tech. I have matched gel coats with their pigments before and it has worked well for patching purposes.
If it isn’t a large fix, I personally would not paint it.
Bob
They look great! Really beautiful.
I’ve always had luck stabilizing knots with super glue. A well know furniture maker suggested it and I’ve never had an issue. Probably very similar to what you used. You can even hit it with activator spray to speed things up.
Bob
I’ve taken a 18.5’ TW Special with two guys and a week’s worth of food/gear and wished we had more freeboard in bigger water. We “pack light” also. 20’ sounds like a much safer and enjoyable ride with three in my opinion.
Bob