: Hi there, as I always suffer deeply when launching and scratching
: my kayak I started wondering wether an aluminium S&G would be
: possible? Volume to weight ratio depending on thickness? Does
: anybody have come across this question? Regards and happy
: paddling from Bonn germany.

Wie ghets Joaquin,

You can do any stitch and glue in aluminum but it will be noisy and echo every little bump like a metal drum. You wouldn't save weight, and instead of scratches you would have dents. I have paddled many aluminum canoes and they are very noisy and not too durable compared to fiberglass, wood, or plastic.

If set on aluminum then you could do a Yost style skin on frame with aluminum tube stringers. However, if you did do an aluminum stitch and glue (stitch and weld) kayak I would put an engine turned finish on it. Now that would be pretty!