Wood, hybrid or carbon?

[Ram4x4]

So what does everyone think are the pros and cons of an all wood boat, a hybrid (some wood, some composite) or all carbon fiber? Which would you choose if you had your choice?

[Black Sheep]

Hybrid for sure!

[Ram4x4]

Why not carbon fiber?

[Shane_B]

Reason some folks like wood/composite hybrids (like me) is 1) cost and 2) easier/cheaper to repair when damaged. I built mine and vacuumed bagged carbon fiber onto cockpit girders and air trap girders for rigidity/strength, also vacuumed bagged carbon fiber on inside of afterplane step for same reason. Then wet laid carbon fiber on inside of right chines for strength (takes beating during turns) and inside of sponsons (did this after bottom built and twist put in hull but prior to deck attached).

[johnsonm50]

I bought a new boat recently & wanted all carbon. The reality check was cost. The hybrid was a good choice to me.

[Mike45]

I prefer the wood boat but with carbon cockpit sides due to the fact they take a beating and sometimes crack or break. The reason I choose wood for a hull is I am pretty good working with wood never did much repair work with the other choice.

[Ram4x4]

OK, let me rephrase that...if cost was not a concern :-)

[johnsonm50]

I would have gone all carbon

[Black Sheep]

Depending on what your goals are, there are several reasons. Composite reinforced panels simplifies things considerably with similar weight and structural values. I DO like to use composite sponsons for ease of assembly, weight, and overall simplicity. A hybrid construction doesn't require a huge amount of building plugs to make molds then eventually your actual part to build each component of the boat. Depending on how many boats you intend to build, it is a long way to go for one or two boats. I have a couple sets of sponson molds and a nose piece mold, that's about it... As I build a few more boats I will build a couple more plugs and molds for different components as I progress. But that's just my opinion... Add $0.02

J-Dub

[Ram4x4]

Do you feel any particular type is better in terms of the boats performance? What about longevity of the boat? Does wood last longer, hybrid, carbon? Would one be easier to take care of or maintain over another?

[Black Sheep]

A composite, or hybrid boat will typically perform better due to its rigidity. However that completely depends on your layups, construction methods, quality of materials and overall structure quality. The same applies for all three construction types when it comes to maintenance and longevity of the hull.

Add another $0.02

J-Dub

[Wakefield 2015]

An all wood boat that is properly designed, constructed, and maintained will be very competitive and last a VERY long time. Having said that, I agree with J-Dub that hybrids are the way to go.

If you are just getting started - don't drive yourself crazy trying to re-invent the wheel. Even though this is just a hobby there are a lot of smart racers out there who take this sport very seriously and have put a TON of time and effort into boats, engines, and props. Guys like Elek and Dean with MHRA won't steer you wrong.

[Ram4x4]

Oh, not driving myself crazy, and I'm certainly not reinventing anyone's wheel :-) I just know that those three types are available from current builders. Which type I end up with will depend on a few things (primarily the budget), and recommendations from guys like Elek, Dean, Jeff B, etc. This isn't going to be a snap decision, I have time (won't be racing until next season). Just asking questions and trying to learn.

[Wakefield 2015]

Ram4x4 - don't take me wrong, you are doing your homework and that is very important. I was just trying to (very poorly I might add) convey that it is important to work with guys like Elek and Dean and with their input find a decent rig and go racing and get as much experience as quickly as you can.

I'm glad to see that you enjoyed the Racer School and I hope to meet you at a race next summer!

Bill

[Ram4x4]

Oh, no issues Bill. I understand your points perfectly. Some times I tend to ask questions poorly and some times I can be over bearing with my thirst for details. I can say this thread didn't garner any responses that I expected at all...and I don't mean that in a bad way. I fully expected to get some "Get a wood boat, they're the best", or "carbon all they way if you have the money"...but that didn't happen. I was kind of hoping so I could ask very specifically WHY. :-)

I just want to be sure when I plunk down my $$$ I'm comfortable knowing that I'm making a good purchase because I've learned a few things. Not taking anything from the experienced guys at all, I'm sure I'll get nothing but good advice from them (because so far it's all been good), but I need to feel comfortable with whatever decision I make and I want it to at least be partially due to my knowledge of what I've learned and not just simply on someone's word.

[johnsonm50]

The race itself is the proving 'ground?' ok water. Wood boats do still win, like carbon. It would be an interesting research project to figure the percentages of wins per type. There's more to it of course, luck, driver, motor & prop.

[Dave M]

Hybrid. Extreme lightweight boat does not perform well in rough water with an average weight driver. Some may take exception to the light boats and rough water, but that is simply my experience. Also, repairs are more expensive with all carbon, simply from a materials standpoint.