THE FLEXIBLE RIB SYSTEM The stiffening system we use for the ribs will stand up to several years of outfitters abuse. This hardy system incorporates the use of four layers of cloth covering a foam base. This flexible rib system combined with our tough flexible epoxy resin results in a very resilient hull. In our test, we flexed these ribs up to 300 times with no sign of damage. Since 1999, all Hellman canoes are fitted with our new Laminated Rib-core. These ribs are laminated between the layers in the hull providing a Stiffer, stronger and lighter layup. THE TOUGH & FLEXIBLE RESIN SYSTEM This improved system will flex further without cracking than the vinylester resin commonly used by other manufacturers. Our epoxy resin system may be more difficult to work with, may cost slightly more, but it's proven superiority results in an incredible durable canoe hull. We use our tough flexible epoxy resin system for both our Kevlar® and our Duralite canoes. |
DURALITE A Duralite hull is cost effective compared with a Kevlar® hull. A Duralite construction includes a mixture of special synthetic composite cloth combined with our tough flexible epoxy resin. The bow and stern are reinforced with Flexite® cloth. KEVLAR®/EPOXY Kevlar® is a strong and lightweight synthetic cloth that is used extensively in the aero-space industry and also used in bulletproof vests. It is more durable and lighter than fibreglass and many other materials on the market. What most people don't realize is that the resin system is just as important as the choice of cloth which goes into a canoe. A Kevlar® canoe built with an inferior resin system does not hold up well, whereas, our proven combination will easily withstand the rigors of extended use. DURATUFF This layup is extremely tough. It is a five layer laminate designed to take a real beating. It is 8lbs heavier than Duralite and costs a bit more, but if you intend to really hammer your boat than this is the canoe for you. |
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