I am planning to purchase a Cirrus 14.6 and have a choice of two that are most accessible, one in the expedition Kevlar lite layup with Carbon/Kevlar trim that has an extra layer of Basalt Innegra on the outside (Basalt finish), or the other that is Expedition Kevlar Lite with the epoxy resin system instead of their standard epoxy/vinylester resin, with Carbon/Kevlar trim. They both weigh 29.2 lbs, but the epoxy canoe itself is about 1 lb lighter because it also has a footbar and grab handle installed. I am in a quandary about whether one or the other is better for my use. I am getting old so the light weight is important. I live out west and can expect to bang on rocks now and then, and I always have in mind inadvertent bangs or even a drop due to wind and fumbles. Does anyone have direct knowledge of these two layups and their additional value beyond the standard layup version? They both come at a cost, but the epoxy is greater cost. However, I am leaning toward the epoxy version, and prefer it's ruby color. And it already has the accessories I would like. What do you think?
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Looking for advice on current Swift layups
- Thread starter Bill Fryer
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Red canoes are the fastest so good choice 
)
Swift layups are changing so fast so it is hard to know how itholds up after a season of 5 . But I guess both will do great..
)Swift layups are changing so fast so it is hard to know how itholds up after a season of 5 . But I guess both will do great..
This is going to sound nontraditional, but have you called and chatted with Swift to get their take on your needs?
Yes, but these are the two available choices now. Otherwise, I'll spend more on transportation on a custom order than either upgrade costs. I'd rather have a stronger canoe at only the cost of a lb or so.
As I understand Swift's laminates for the Kevlar Lite construction, the difference between your two laminate options is that one would have an outer layer of red polyester with clear gelcoat, and the other would have an outer layer of basalt/Innegra with clear gelcoat plus epoxy resin instead of hybrid vinylester/epoxy resin. Both would have a basalt/Innegra interior.
Which is stronger—an outer layer of polyester with epoxy resin or an outer layer of basalt/Innegra with vinylester/epoxy resin? I don't know, but I'd guess the latter would be slightly stronger. However, I don't think the difference is worth worrying about. Bill Swift says in the following video that the Kev Lite construction with the standard poly outer layer is stronger than the standard Kevlar Fusion layup, which is used in most of Swift's canoes.
So, if it were me, I wouldn't base my decision on a guess about the strength of two excellent hi-tech layups. That would probably be the lowest factor on my totem pole. I'd base my decision on aesthetics (do I really want a B/I interior and exterior), on whether I wanted a foot bar (which I would in a sitting canoe) or a grab handle, and on price.
Which is stronger—an outer layer of polyester with epoxy resin or an outer layer of basalt/Innegra with vinylester/epoxy resin? I don't know, but I'd guess the latter would be slightly stronger. However, I don't think the difference is worth worrying about. Bill Swift says in the following video that the Kev Lite construction with the standard poly outer layer is stronger than the standard Kevlar Fusion layup, which is used in most of Swift's canoes.
So, if it were me, I wouldn't base my decision on a guess about the strength of two excellent hi-tech layups. That would probably be the lowest factor on my totem pole. I'd base my decision on aesthetics (do I really want a B/I interior and exterior), on whether I wanted a foot bar (which I would in a sitting canoe) or a grab handle, and on price.
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