: However right next to the PVC electrical conduit are pieces of conduit made
: of galvanize steel. These are much less flexible and about the same weight
: and price. $2.00 per 10 foot section. I would like to know if anyone has
: any experience or opinion on the suitability of gavalnized steel
: electrical conduit.

John,

Steel conduit has little flex. Instead, it bends, and stays there. It's heavy
and totally unsuitable for this application. PVC conduit has been used on rare
occassions, but is extremely flexible and weak.

Wood or aluminum stringers are ideal for kayak building. It's simply a matter
of personnel preference as to which one you choose. In your case, cost
appeats to be a factor, but this is a perfect example of "You get what you pay
for". Fiberglass and carbon fiber tubes have been used for stringers,
but I'm not familiar with either.

You could however, try both PVC and steel in order to satisfy your own
curiosity. It won't cost much for either, and you will have gained valuable
experience.

There's no better teacher than trial and error.

Tom