I am in the beginning stages of building a skin on frame kayak. I have reviewed several resources but have some questions.

I've seen aluminum "folder" designs with HDPE cross sections and wood frame with plywood cross sections. Is it possible to attach wooden gunwales/chines/keel to HDPE cross sections?

Also, I have some UHMW available to me through my employer. I have cross referenced the technical data between UHMW and HDPE and they are very similar. It seems UHMW is harder and more durable, but would work.

Has anyone tried either of these items? If so, I'd like to know what kind of results you've gotten.