This is the way I see why using composite materials is important for the hobby. I'm sure you all have seen boat designed by Mr. Arne Holt used for setting FE SAW record and right there is your answer why composites are better then good ole wood. I have built number of carbon/kevlar and been doing it for 12 years (back then very few people have seen a boat built entierly with composites)
If you want to build cheap classic style boat square tub, square sponsons than wood is way to go, but if you want someting little more complex wood won't do it. Yes, Preston you are right many people can't build light composite boat , however 3lb composite boat is many times sronger than the best 3lb wood boat. I think we all know about broken tubs on Eagle SG's , RR ultra lite and extreme as well, I assure you, it would take a lot more speed than we achieve for that to happen with CF, I can build any boat with composites that anyone else can build with wood and it will weight the same or less and be much stronger, but nobody can build a wood boat as complex as one possible with composites and come even close in weight. Another thing CF boats stay the same weight after many years without any significant detirioration and that can't be said for wood boats. How many boats have wood cowls, I can't think of any , again glass ones aren't any lighter but if you build wood cowl of the same shape it would weight twice as much or more. A good friend of mine (many of you know him) told me once that if you do same as everybody else does you can only be as good as them. Most people who build the great boats didn't get there following others, but rather following their own ideas.
At the end all comes down to what gives you the most pleasure; buy the newest and the gratest boat every year and run with the rest or be like some of us who enjoy experimenting and learning about boats and engines.
Advanced Racing Tech
Frank Orlic
