: Tom

: No. I have to wave the flag for alternastives to aluminum. The idea is to
: have something that you can be less attentive to, and is actually better
: in many way then the old standby. Aluminum corrodoes in salt water period.
: Why is it that anyone thinks to use aluminum...

Mike,

Not once have I said anything negative about graphite stringers. In fact, if
you read my posts to Malcolm, you will note that I support his experiment with
the material, and hope he can make it work as a folder frame.

My only comments about the material are that I haven't used it and am not
qualified to talk about it. I am very careful to discuss " only" issues that I
know from experience, not speculation.

That's why, when I do post information, it is usually supported by pics.

Aluminum has to "me" been an ideal building material. The 10 or so kayaks I've
made with it are "proof" of that statement. Plus, I've qualified that
statement on several ocassions by saying that I paddle primarily in a fresh
water enviorenment.

There is, however, a huge difference between endorsing a particular building
material, and transforming it into a folding kayak. My use of HDPE and PVC
has been criticized also, but like aluminum, only by those who have never used
them, or for that matter have never built a folding kayak.

I've seen numerous failures by otherwise competent kayak builders when using
new materials that initially appear ideally suited to this unique style of
building. However, until you build stringers using graphite, carbon fiber,
kevlar, or even the often discussed PVC, you are simply dealing in opinion and
speculation, but not in facts.

If you like graphite so much, I suggest you build a folding kayak using it.
You will have my wholehearted support, and if successfully completed, I will
then have someone other than myself to learn from.

"Experience is knowledge. Everything else is just information"

Best Regards,

Tom