The advantage of Superlinear polyethylene is that it provides a much more entangled structure, resulting in a tougher polymer.  This toughness can be used to increase density and stiffness.

     Superlinear polyethylene is made possible by a new technology called mettalocene, which has the ability to construct polyethylene (PE) molecules that are very similar in nature.  Whereas the regular Ziegler-Nata type catalyst makes polymers with varying degrees in size and co-monomer loading, the new chemistry builds molecules of uniform size.

     This material was made available to us in the fall of 1994 and the results of our in-house testing exceeded our highest expectations.  The only problems with the new polymer were the higher price compared to standard polyethylene and more difficult processing, especially in the cooling cycle.

     We immediately switched from regular polyethylene to the Superlinear, and since the spring of 1995, all Necky boats have been made with this new polymer.

     A composite boat is one where several layers of specialized fabrics are layed up in a mold using a binding resin to hold the shape.

     The most common material is fiberglass (glass), though it is a general term.  Fiberglass itself comes in many different weaves and weights---each designed for a specific use.  KEVLAR® brand fiber, often mistakenly referred to as fiberglass, closely resembles glass.  It also comes in different styles, weights, rovings, and undirectional fibers...but is always distinctively yellow in appearance.  It is handled much in the same way as glass, but KEVLAR® is much stronger and lighter.  Many people are aware that bullet-proof vests are made with KEVLAR®.  Because it has incredible tear resistance, it is valuable for both bullet-proof vests and kayaks!

     In fact, in a situation where a fiberglass kayak would be destroyed, torn to bits (say on a rocky ocean surf break), a KEVLAR® boat, though crushed, would not tear apart.  In simple terms, the resin fails, but not the fabric, often allowing you to kick the boat back into it's original shape and duct tape over the cracks allowing you to paddle the boat back to civilization.

     Graphite, lighter than glass or KEVLAR®, adds stiffness to a hull or deck's shape. It is too brittle to use on its own, but when mixed with another fabric such as KEVLAR®, the graphite (usually in bands placed every 18" along the boat) adds structural strength with very little additional weight.

  Factory install option on Necky Kayaks