: 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.

Aluminum is about x4 density of okoume plywood so I estimate that you can substitute 20 g Ally for 3 mm ply for the same overall weight. I chose one gauge thicker to compensate for the lack of glass/epoxy and stems etc. It would be quite stiff IMHO and fairly tough, but scratches, and perhaps a dent from a hard hit on a rock, might spol the appearance over time.