FGX by Mad River Canoe
In September, Mad River Canoe introduced FGX (Fiberglass Expedition) into their Explorer and Malecite series. FGX is a durable, low maintenance fiberglass laminate at a moderate price and low weight. “We’ve provided a hull that rivals Royalex prices and delivers a boat that’s plenty
tough for a lot of folks who don’t need the rock-bashing capabilities of a Royalex white- water hull,” says Mad River boat designer, Buff Grubb. Mad River is continuing to monitor the development of a Royalex replacement material from other manufactur- ers, as well as pursuing alternate materials in their own research and development department. “While our priority has been to approximate Royalex as much as possible, it’s inevi-
table that we’d find alternative materials that have resulted in stronger, lighter hulls,” adds Grubb. “FGX isn’t a replacement for Royalex, but when a Royalex equivalent comes to market, it will complement our new composites, so it’s very much a win-win situation in the end.”
$1,855-$2,255 |
www.madriver.com T-FORMEX by Esquif Canoes
Esquif claims new material T-Formex will deliver the same indestructability and per- formance of Royalex for a similar cost. It’ll also be 10 percent lighter and 20 times more abrasion resistant than Royalex, according to Esquif owner Jacques Chassé. The first T-Formex canoes are expected to roll out in 2015. Like Royalex, T-Formex is manufactured into sheets using foam core, ABS plastic
and another material Chassé won’t disclose. These are layered together to create a reinforced, multi-laminate sandwich designed to withstand years of paddler abuse. “Because so many of our canoes were made from Royalex, we needed to find a ma-
terial that could be used in the same molding stations in which the Royalex boats were shaped,” says Chassé. Switching to the T-Formex material will not require any re-tooling for Royalex boat building operations—a boon for other canoe brands that Esquif hopes to supply.
TBA |
www.esquif.com TuffStuff by Nova Craft Canoe
If the real test of durability is surviving a 100-foot fall, Nova Craft’s new TuffStuff material has it. Following the viral video stunt, Nova Craft owner, Tim Miller, and his accomplice paddled the canoe away. TuffStuff, a basalt and Innegra composite, holds up well in stress tests, mimicking
the strength of Royalex, however no word yet on how it recovers from wraps. Each TuffStuff canoe takes about two days to complete, versus the half hour it took to man- ufacture a Royalex hull. Offered in two layups, TuffStuff and TuffStuff Expedition, the material is consider-
ably lighter than Royalex—53 and 59 pounds respectively, compared to the 72 pounds of a similarly sized Nova Craft Royalex boat. “The regular TuffStuff material makes an excellent tripping canoe, and is suited
for outfitters and rental situations,” says Miller. The Expedition lay-up is even more durable. “The Expedition models are for the paddlers going on extended trips, who would previously have bought Royalex Plus.” Miller adds that he won’t hesitate to take a TuffStuff Expedition model down a whitewater river. TuffStuff hit the market in early 2015.
$2,400-$2,800 |
www.novacraft.com www.canoerootsmag.com | 19
Economically shipped directly to your door As easy to assemble as furniture
Lightweight and easy to use and load View all models at
www.primotrailersales.com Ottawa • Ontario • Canada • 800-558-5178
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