Royalex versus R-84 Royalite

[Steve Jordan]

I just received a sales brochure from Mohawk and it has several of the
canoes available in both Royalex and R-84 Royalite. From what I gather
from their writeup, Royalex is more expensive, heavier, and tougher than
R-84. But what about other factors? Can anybody tell me the relative
merits of these materials when it comes to handling and performance?

Also, does anybody have any opinions on the Nova 17 versus the Intrepid
17? I will be paddling with my family (wife, 11 yr old and 6 yr old) on
flat water, but would like something versatile to use on Class II waters,
also.

Thanks

--
Steve Jordan
jor...@iapc.net

[Stevscarb]

Whether there is any merit to either material depends on the construction.
You can make a good ( or bad) boat out of either material. R-lite
(Dagger's light material) is actually more expensive than Royalex to buy
fom the plastic manufacturer. It is harder to mold and takes an extra step
in manufacturing a canoe. I personally love the stuff. We don't make every
model in this type of plastic because it is a pain in the factory. There
is no question in my mind that a properly engineered boat is lighter and
stiffer in R-lite. I still have the first boat ever built out of the
stuff.
Steve Scarborough (Dagger design)

[Bray Haven]

Some of the liveries are using these Nova 17's in royalite and they seem
to be very durable and lighter than royalex. I paddle with a friend who
uses one and I've rented them for a rip down the Alafia R. in FL. They
seem to be fine boats but I would definitely store any vinyl boat (or any
other one for that matter) under cover.

G. Sefton

[TEXkayaker]

I owned a Nova 16 in Royalite. It was a great canoe although it did not
seem as durable as royalax, it seemed that the material scratched eaiser
and deeper. Thhe light weight was worth it though. I say go for thhe
R-84.