I've found a couple of threads comparing Bell Blackgold vs the new Northstar Blacklite but thought I'd ask for some fresh experience as I search around for a lighter tandem and have seen quite a few older Bells come up for sale.

What I've read so far:
Bell Blackgold had a thick gelcoat until around 2006, then switched to skin coating much like the current Northstar Blacklite
Gel coat gets brittle over time, but saves the cloth and is easy to repair.
Older Kevlight tends to flex and is not very durable.

What I'd like to know:
Does gelcoat get brittle primarily because of UV exposure or will it weaken with age regardless?
What difference (if any) is there between Bell's Blackgold and Northstar's Blacklite?

I own a late 90's Northstar (Polaris) in Blackgold and a 2019 B16 in Blacklite. I honestly can't tell any difference between the two other than that the older one has been recoated and is slightly heavier. For a definitive answer I would call or e-mail Northstar. They have always been very helpful and happy to answer any questions about their canoes.

fadersup: "

Older Kevlight tends to flex and is not very durable.

"

I know I'm not answering your question, but I wanted to add that I've been paddling a Bell Northwind in Kev Lite in the BW for at least a dozen years without any durability issues. We even high-centered on a barely submerged rock once and suffered only a scratch. As with other lightweight, foam-stiffened hulls, the sides (in between the ribs) will flex, but the bottom is rigid. I wouldn't take it on a WW trip or drag it loaded through shallow streams, but it will last indefinitely on flatwater trips provided you wet-foot.

fadersup: "
What I'd like to know:
Does gelcoat get brittle primarily because of UV exposure or will it weaken with age regardless?
What difference (if any) is there between Bell's Blackgold and Northstar's Blacklite?

"

There are 20+ year old kevlar canoes that get used regularly and are still in great shape. Sunlight is probably the worst enemy of the canoe. UV light will degrade most any resin or polymer over time. Store the boat indoors or covered and that will help significantly.

FYI the resin coat, be it polyester/styrene based or epoxy based (depends on which manufacture you buy from), helps protect the kevlar, which is more sensitive to UV light.

We have a 1985 Mad River Kevlar canoe that had major exposure to the elements. We bought it for $50 at an auction. The wooden gunwales had rotted out and we replaced them. It goes on multiple trips with us every year. Totally solid still.

This is helpful, thanks all.

I think gelcoat is relately brittle even when new...at least that's why some manufacturers might brag about not having it (since their IXP or epoxy Kevlar lay-ups might be able to deform more without any gelcoat cracking). But unless you leave your boat in the sun gelcoat degradation is a non-issue. I have a 1996 Magic and 1999 Merlin II in BG with thick gelcoat. Both boats have some battle scars but both are functionally as good as new and both could be polished up to look new. I have a 2005 (I think) Bell Yellowstone Solo with the thinner gelcoat. I appreciate the lightness and still don't worry about abrasion and scratches. I have a blacklite Polaris and I'll say the skincoat may be thinner than my 2005 Bell. I know one guy that bought a blacklite boat and regretted not ordering a gelcoat...so I think the blacklite boats are the most likely to need ongoing maintenance (like a thin coat of epoxy). On my Merlin II the gelcoat prevented damage to the fabric 2 or 3 times after serious impacts with rocks.

I like the lightness of the skincoat boats but I just love the way the gelcoat boats can handle rougher use. Plus I'm a little biased towards the early Bell lay-ups since I've got so much experience with them so I'm highly confident in the lay-up.

One big advantage of the skin coat over the gel coat is that repairs are simple and easy to hide.