How do fiberglass canoes stack up against other canoes?
A. The relatively low cost of fiberglass has accounted for much of its popularity. Its toughness, too, makes it attractive. Minor repairs, even at riverside, are not difficult, although major ones may be costly. Like aluminum, fiberglass can be left out in all sorts of weather, maintenance is virtually nil and, with the color built in, repainting is eliminated. Since fiberglass will not float, buoyancy is achieved with the use of air chambers or foam compartments. Many of the best fiberglass canoes have a balsa-wood filler, sandwiched between fiberglass cloth and matting, making them considerably stronger. While usually heavier than ABS (about 20 lb. more than equivalent ABS models) and some aluminum models, fiberglass canoe weights can be considered reasonable.
