Re: boat construction
In the 90's, many new materials made it to market and manufacturers found various uses for them, such as replacing wood, since these new materials were now strong enough for that part of the task.
The debate is whether these wood-free materials are any better or more rot resistant than wood. Yes, other materials absorb water... not just wood. Some absorb it like a sponge on crack and won't let go of it, meaning you drag around hundreds of pounds of weight in water.
Some materials are home runs (and of course, are very expensive). It is hard to say which material is doing what, because they are all trial by error.
So far, the most important things about boat construction and durability are:
> Did the manufacturer know what they were doing?
> Did they use enough of the materials required and apply them properly?
> Did the owners of a properly constructed boat take care of it
> Did the owners of a properly constructed boat not compromise the core?
I think "All wood-free construction" is a great tag line for a boat ad, but it has yet to mean much. There ain't a boat anywhere that can take on the abuse of sitting outside, uncovered, unsheltered and left to rot.
Buy a boat that is from a respected maker and from an owner who respected the boat. Wood-free construction becomes moot.
