Boat Design
It can feel challenging to decide on which boat is best for you. A boat’s design directly impacts how it handles on the water. A boat that is built for speed allows you to paddle fast with less effort, whereas a boat built for maneuverability makes turns quickly and easily. Understanding the different design elements will help you narrow down your options and make a more informed decision. The most apparent characteristics of our different models are length, beam, and profile, but understanding terms like tracking and initial stability are also important. Below, we have a brief description of these characteristics as well as a list of terminology to help you compare the options, so you may get that perfect fit.
A lot of thought goes into every model we offer. When creating a design, we have a set of goals that guide us:
Light Weight
A boat that is easy to put on and off the car or carry on that long distance portage.
Minimalist
No feature will add unnecessary weight or cost
Durable
Able to hold up under challenging conditions and repeated use
Versatile
Ability to perform well in a variety of conditions with a variety of people
PROFILE SIZES
The depth of a canoe can make all the difference in how you feel in the boat. A pack boat that fits well should have no more than 7" of free board (distance between the top rail of the boat and the surface of the water). A boat that is too deep for you will require you to hold the paddle higher than necessary, causing greater fatigue. This is particularly true for smaller and lighter individuals. Excess free board does not increase your safety in windy, wavy conditions; rather, it causes more of the boats surface area to act as an unwanted sail and reduces the amount of water contact with the hull making the boat harder to control. Ask any kayaker, the better the boat fits, the more control you have, and the more responsive the boat.
We offer all of our models in multiple profiles to best suit your needs and body type.
OUR HULL
Our approach to building boats ensures that each one is unique. Depending on the size, we use between 15 to 20 pieces of Kevlar for each boat. Each hull is constructed by hand, layer by layer, allowing us to enhance stiffness and strength where necessary. We avoid using a heavy gel coat; instead, the fabric is saturated with high impact polyester resin during the construction process. This technique creates a hull that is not only durable but also highly resistant to delamination. By building our boats this way, we allow the beauty of the composite material to shine through. Much like the leather of a designer handbag, each boat features its own distinct patterns and characteristics, making every Hornbeck Boat one of a kind.
OUR HULL MATERIAL
Our boat hulls are made from one of three materials which are bonded into resins (as described above). The outer and inner layers "skins" can be changed by the owner’s request, for a custom appearance. The middle structure/layer and support pieces are always made of Kevlar, due to its superior impact and abrasion resistance. While there are technical differences between materials, the weight and overall strength of each is similar. So, when determining which material to us as a skin, it is mostly a matter of looks
Kevlar®:
We use official Kevlar® produced by Dupont, generically called an aramid. This fabric is impact resistant, abrasion resistant, and lightweight. The color is yellow and will darken over time with UV exposure. Scratches are subtle.
Carbon:
Stiffer than Kevlar®, but also more brittle. More easily tooled and finished. Will remain the same color (black) over time. Scratches are more visible.
Matrix:
A combination of Kevlar® and carbon. A best both worlds situation. Will slightly darken over time but continue to have a "green" appearance. Scratch visibility similar to carbon fiber.
THE TRIM
Hudson Valley, NY Black cherry is used in the gunwales and thwarts of all models. Cherry resists rot and mildew while having a good strength to weight ratio. Only 30% of all cherry harvested makes the grade for the full length pieces used on our boats. All wood is attached using stainless steel screws and fittings. The wood has been oiled with Corey's Amazing Tung Oil. It is a non-toxic, non-flammable, sustainable finish that contains Tung oil, organic Brazilian Gum Rosin, and food grade Citrus oil. This offers superior water and rot resistance while giving the wood a silky smooth luster. We recommend reapplying this blend regularly (aprox. twice a year) to have your wood last and look beautiful for years to come.
THE SEAT
Our seats have been designed with careful consideration to ensure they provide optimal comfort and safety. The 2.2 lb closed-cell polyethylene foam used for manufacturing the seats is incredibly durable, lightweight, and resistant to tears, rips, and stains. This makes it one of the most reliable materials for long use. Moreover, due to the high buoyancy of this material, it doubles as the flotation for our boats, allowing us to keep the final weight down to a minimum.
The seats are also designed to relieve pressure on the thighs, promoting circulation in the legs, hips, and feet. They have a slight backward tilt that builds up the front edge, providing optimal comfort. The low profile of the seats helps to maintain a low center of gravity, increasing the overall stability of the boat.
FOOT BRACES
Light weight, Durable, and maintenance free. Easily adjustable in or out of the water (approx. 10" of adjustment). Standard in all models. We measure and install foot braces when you pick up your boat so the fit is perfect. Can be positioned with the intent of multiple users.
