I have been wondering how strong SOF really are.
The video in post below is impressive but wouldn't a S&G or stripper boat be able to endure similar treatment, only with more scratches?
Last year I was at Wooden Kayak Rendezvous at Port Townsend. One of the attendees was touting the strength of SOF kayaks. As a 'proof' he performed a SOF abuse demonstration where in fact he "abused" the SOF with kid gloves. The impression I got was the opposite of what was intended: SOF fabric is not as strong as composite skin of S&G or stripper.
How about this general theory?:
-SOFs are more likely to survive a sudden, catastrophic impact of great force, ex kayak falling off the roof racks at freeway speeds.
-Glass boats are stronger when it comes to less severe but more frequent abuse, ex running over sharp rocks on the sea floor.
The first case will save your SOF but is much less likely to happen compared to second.
Last but not least, skin on SOF needs replacement once in a while while
properly maintained glass boat will last nearly forever.

: There's really no other way to describe it.

: It's not a comparative test, but sure demonstrates that an SOF is definitely
: stronger than a bubble.