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Royalex is Dead article

Discussion in 'Miscellaneous Small Craft' started by Benson Gray, Aug 9, 2013.

  1. Benson Gray

    Benson Gray Canoe History Enthusiast Staff Member

    The article titled "Royalex is Dead" at http://www.rapidmedia.com/canoeing/categories/news/item/1602-royalex-is-dead.html in conjunction with the one at http://forums.wcha.org/showthread.php?6986-Chicago-Boat-Show&p=37847#post37847 about the former Aluminum Canoe Heritage Association got me thinking. Should we consider expanding this organization to become something like the Antique Canoe Heritage Association and start including these other materials that are declining in current popularity? This will clearly be considered heresy by some but it could be a way to expand the membership. I will also confess to owning an old fiberglass canoe like the one shown at http://forums.wcha.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=26130&d=1375983205 for full disclosure. Thoughts?

    Benson
     
    Last edited: Aug 9, 2013
    Benson Gray, Aug 9, 2013
    #1
  2. Dan Lindberg

    Dan Lindberg Ex Wood Hoarder

    I just read the article from a link posted on another canoeing site. Not being a river guy, I'm less concerned about it then some folks will be.

    As for expanding the interest of the WCHA, I'd vote NO. It would only dilute the info here.
    Same for the old fiberglass canoes, and I've even thought a time or 2 about collecting them also.

    But I've resisted, as I've resisted old wood boats, canoes only for me.

    It's better to be good at 1 thing, than poor to mediocre at several.

    Dan
     
    Dan Lindberg, Aug 9, 2013
    #2
  3. MackyM

    MackyM LOVES Wooden Canoes

    I think not. I have two glass Merrimack canoes. Living on the Gulf where there is salt water and salt water intrusion I felt they were necessary. One is kevlar and one is carbon fiber. They have wood ribs inside, but it looks like they may be added after the canoe is removed from the mold. They look great but I cannot imagine bringing one to Assembly. Just my two cents. MackyM
     
    MackyM, Aug 9, 2013
    #3
  4. Kathryn Klos

    Kathryn Klos squirrel whisperer

    I would vote "no" for changing the name and purpose of the organization, but because these canoes are part of canoe-history, maybe they could come in under a history-section. These canoes are the descendants of "Wooden Canoe Heritage". I suppose it's like having a dinosaur club and admitting the dodo and greak auk, but they'd be in the "extinct bird" section of the dinosaur club.
     
    Kathryn Klos, Aug 9, 2013
    #4
  5. Dave Wermuth

    Dave Wermuth Who hid my paddle?

    Perhaps a new satellite group/association affiliated with wcha ?
     
    Dave Wermuth, Aug 9, 2013
    #5
  6. pklonowski

    pklonowski Unrepentant Canoeist

    Perhaps a "wait-and-see" attitude might be reasonable. Mohawk, Mad River, Old Town, Wenonah... all of these companies have a vested interest in not losing this material. Somebody may very well pick up the slack, and then it becomes a moot point.
     
    pklonowski, Aug 9, 2013
    #6

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