A Note on Materials

Because many people like to know how strong we build our boats, we have added a short description of various materials we use. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us.

Atlac 580 - a member of the large family of vinylester resins. It is very tough with excellent abrasion, impact, and elongation resistance. We never use fillers or thickening agents, which weaken the resin, so you are assured of maximum performance and strength.

Kevlar 49 - designed by E. I. DuPont for government aerospace and ballistics, this aramid fiber has been adapted for the boat manufacturing industry. Seven times stronger than steel for its weight and 60% as dense as fiberglass provide weight savings while greatly improving the structural characteristics.

Carbon Fiber - is made of graphite fibers. It has excellent stiffness, tensile and compression strength. Available in various weaves and weights. Because it is very expensive it is usually only used as stiffening ribs and reinforcements.

S-Glass - a "stain weave" fiberglass cloth, it has superior characteristics than standard E-glass (approximately 30% stronger). It provides greatly improved abrasion resistance along with excellent tensile and compression strength.

E-Glass - is the most commonly used fiber. It is made from molten glass which is spun out into tiny individual fibers. S-glass is a specialty woven E-glass. E-glass comes in a variety of weights and weaves.

Spectra 900 - a new high tech fiber from Allied Corporation. A woven polyethylene available in different weights and weaves; an excellent choice in kayaks needing high impact resistance and tensile strength. Available in any boat we build as a reinforcement or main layup fabric.

West Side Boat Shop - 7661 Tonawanda Creek Road, Lockport, NY 14094
Telephone: (716) 434-5755
www.westsideboatshop.com