I've been thinking about making purchasing this used Sawyer canoe. Its a 16.6 length Canadian model. The material is kevlar49. Browsing the internet for several days, it seems like there are a lot of knowledgeable people on this forum who might be able to help me.
I'm looking for a project so I don't mind sanding, applying resin etc. But I'd hate to purchase something that was damaged beyond repair. Can anyone tell me if these cracks look like the kevlar is damaged or are they cosmetic issues?




Not sure if these pictures will even help, but any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

It looks to me that the canoe has been subject to extensive and irreversible UV damage. Generally that pale whitish color is the result of the bond between kevlar and resin decaying to the point that the hull becomes brittle, soft and prone to puncture and fracture. You can probably easily press a screwdriver through the hull or possibly even your foot as you step into the boat. I would judge this hull as landfill material.

X17 model?

The only info he has is that it is a "Canadian" model and its 16.6 feet.

Johntenney: "The only info he has is that it is a "Canadian" model and its 16.6 feet. "

Looks like it's a Sawyer Leaverite. Leave 'er right there. Sorry couldn't resist, I had a friend who was lucky enough to be with a with a pretty knowledgeable expert in flint points and arrowheads and stuff, he found something and asked if it was a good find. The guy said yeah that's leaverite, leave 'er right there. Hope I didn't offend, it looks to me, as well, that it's seen way too much UV. Wish you luck in your search John.

Thanks Guys. I'm sure you either saved me a long 5 hour trip to look at a canoe or the money I would have spent on it. I might go with a fiberglass mohawk blazer in my area. Not a gem, but its in great condition for 300 bucks.