The wooden hull by itself is weak, but the two layers of fiberglass make the canoe extremely strong, lightweight and waterproof. No ribs are needed, no canvas covering, and no caulking.

Birchbark canoes stayed in use into the early 20 th century. The wood/canvas canoe would eventually ease the birchbark canoe out, but like the birchbark canoe, it required occasional repairs when ...