The Skin-On-Frame Advantage The concept of constructing skin covered frame Kayaks and Canoes is ancient. And the reason this design is still popular today is because it works. A skin on frame design provides for a lightweight structurally sound craft. The frame provides the skeletal structure of the canoe, while the skin further enhances the structure and provides an efficient barrier between the paddler and the water. These types of craft when properly designed and constructed provide the rigidity necessary for holding the weight of its occupants and just enough flex to gently bend into a wave. The ability of these types of craft to bend into a wave dramatically enhances the boats stability. The Ally Canoe The Ally Canoe is manufactured in Norway by Bergans. Its frame is constructed of aircraft grade aluminum and uses a high quality PVC for its skin. A closed cell insulated mat is position on the bottom of the canoe between the frame and the skin. This mat provides an insulating barrier, added flotation and protection of the skin from the weighted frame. The flexibility of these canoes enhances its stability and allows the craft to bend into the trough of waves, while riding over (rather than crash into) the crests of waves. The flexibility also protects against rock impacts. Where a hard shell canoe may sustain considerable damage from an impact the Ally flexes to absorb the impact. The most obvious advantage to the Ally Canoe is that it can be assembled and disassembled. Disassembled the canoe fits into a duffel bag and is easily transported on small aircraft, boat or car. The Ally Canoe has two different series. Each series has three different size models. The Classic Expedition Series is a wider, more stable tripping canoe, while the Cruising Series is a low profile, fast canoe. Our Experience with the Ally Canoes We have been renting Ally Canoes for over four years. Fairbanks is often referred to as the Golden heart of Alaska. It is the starting point for many of the remote river trips were you have to fly into, or out of, or both. Many of the local paddle enthusiast that are experience in remote River tripping own Ally Canoes. The feedbacks we get from Ally Canoe owners are extremely positive. The most common comment we get from our clients that rent the Ally Canoe is that they could not believe that a folding canoe could be so stable and responsive. Many of our clients that rent Ally eventually purchase the Ally. From our standpoint it is very assuring when our clients return from a two week excursion and the canoe is in almost the same condition when they departed.
