A Better Material, for
You and the Water
Why Choose Aluminum?
Why Aluminum Still Outperforms Plastic
Despite the many options available today, aluminum has proven to hold up to the test of time. When Grumman Aircraft started producing aluminum canoes shortly after World War II, little did they know that they were giving a rebirth to the sport of recreational canoeing. Maintenance-free, inexpensive, easy to paddle, and virtually indestructible, they soon became the boat of choice for families, adventurers, river runners, and summer camps all over North America. Even today, with endless material choices, they are still billed by many as the perfect canoe to discover the sport of canoeing. So, let’s look at the reasons why so many paddlers still choose aluminum canoes.
Durable & Maintenance-Free
Aluminum resists impact, abrasion, extreme temperatures, and hull distortion. It never rusts, mildews, or warps, so the design stays true for life with zero maintenance required.
Environmentally Friendly
The “green metal” is endlessly recyclable and built to last decades, keeping canoes on the water and out of landfills. Its non-toxic manufacturing avoids the harmful resins and emissions of plastics.
Lightweight Performance
With a superior strength-to-weight ratio, most Grumman canoes weigh under 79 pounds—easy to carry, car-top, and store—while gliding smoother than heavier plastic or vinyl boats.
Easy to
Repair
Aluminum dents can be tapped out with a mallet, and scratches can be buffed or worn proudly as reminders of past adventures—repairs plastic can’t match.
Canoe material COmparison
(swipe chart to compare)
 |
Rotomolded Plastic | Ultra-Lite Plastic (e.g. T-Formex) |
Fiberglass | Kevlar | Wood | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight |  Moderate60–75 lbs |
Heavy 75–95+ lbs |
Light 45–65 lbs |
Light | Very Light 40–50 lbs |
Very Heavy 65–85+ lbs |
| Durability | Excellent |
Moderate–Low | Moderate | Low | Low–Moderate | Moderate |
| Repairability | Easy |
Difficult | Moderate–Difficult | Moderate | Difficult | Moderate |
| Maintenance | Very Low |
Moderate | Moderate | High | High | Very High |
| Lifespan | 30–50+ Years |
5–15 Years | 10–20 Years | 10–15 Years | 10–20 Years | 10–20 Years |
| Environmental Impact | Recyclable |
Non-Recyclable Sheds Microplastics |
Non-Recyclable Some Shedding |
Resin-Based Non Recyclable |
Resin-Based Non Recyclable |
Renewable But Resource-Heavy |
| Price | $$ – $$$ |
$ | $$ – $$$$ | $$ | $$$$ | $$$ |
| Long-Term Value | High |
Low | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | High (with upkeep) |
Aerospace-grade. Field-ready.
Made from the same aluminum used in aircraft, Grumman canoes are lightweight, rigid, and built to take impact without cracking or warping. They’re repairable in the field, won’t rot or soften in the sun, and require no pampering to perform season after season.
Cleaner. Stronger. Smarter.
Plastic canoes are petroleum-based, prone to UV damage, and often non-recyclable. Many shed microplastics into lakes and rivers as they wear. Grumman aluminum is fully recyclable, non-toxic, and doesn’t pollute as it ages. It’s a better choice for the long run—and the water our children paddle in.
Low Maintenance. Lifetime Value.
Grumman canoes need no special storage or maintenance. A rinse is usually enough. Dents can be fixed with basic tools, and many models last 30–50+ years. It’s not an impulse buy —it’s a generational investment.