Durable. Lightweight. Purpose-built.
Layups & Materials
Every Hemlock canoe is constructed from carefully selected composite materials, layered and reinforced to create a hull that performs beautifully on the water and lasts for decades.
Materials chosen with purpose.
Intention in every layer.
Built to match your journey.
The fabrics used in a Hemlock canoe can be combined in different ways to create four distinct layup constructions. Each layup balances weight, durability, and cost differently, allowing you to emphasize the characteristics that matter most for how and where you paddle.
How a Hemlock Canoe Is Built
CONSTRUCTION PHILOSOPHY
A Hemlock canoe is built from multiple layers of composite fabrics bonded together with a durable vinyl ester resin system. The materials selected for each layer contribute a specific property — stiffness, puncture resistance, impact tolerance, or abrasion protection.
composite fabrics
The materials that build your canoe
Each fabric used in a Hemlock canoe contributes unique structural properties. Some add stiffness, others improve impact resistance or abrasion protection. By combining them strategically, we create layups optimized for different paddling priorities.
carbon fiber
kevlar
carbon/innegra
basalt/innegra
S-Glass
Explore the fabrics
Hover over a fabric swatch to see how different materials contribute to the structure and performance of a Hemlock canoe.
composite fabrics
The materials that build your canoe
Each fabric used in a Hemlock canoe contributes unique structural properties. Some add stiffness, others improve impact resistance or abrasion protection. By combining them strategically, we create layups optimized for different paddling priorities.
carbon fiber
kevlar
carbon/innegra
basalt/innegra
S-Glass
Explore the fabrics
Tap a fabric above to learn how it contributes to the structure and performance of a Hemlock canoe. Swipe the row to explore additional materials.
Four Ways to Build a Hemlock Canoe
LAYUP OPTIONS
The fabrics used in a Hemlock canoe can be combined in different ways to create four distinct layup constructions. Each layup balances weight, durability, and cost differently, allowing you to emphasize the characteristics that matter most for how and where you paddle.
The same canoe design can be built in four layups, each optimized for a specific priority.
roc emphasizes durability for demanding environments.
FLX focuses on minimizing weight for easier carrying and efficient travel.
Kevlar Hybrid offers dependable performance while keeping cost accessible.
Premium+ balances all three considerations for versatile, all-around performance.
Each layup uses a different combination of fabrics and reinforcement strategies to achieve that goal. All of our canoe models are available in each of these layups.
Explore the layups → Premium+, ROC, Kevlar Hybrid, and FLX in details below
Layup name
ROC
Optimized for
Durability
where it shines
Built for rocky rivers, shallow water, rough landings, and the kinds of places where durability matters most, ROC offers expedition-level confidence through years of repeated use.
ROC is named for our home city of Rochester, New York — locally known as “ROC.” The name also echoes rocks: enduring, resilient, and shaped to last.
Scroll →
Materials
Innegra
Advanced protection against impact and abrasion
Kevlar
A puncture resistant backbone- proven tough over decades
Carbon Fiber
Aerospace grade stiffness and strength
Exterior construction
Carbon / Innegra twill weave
Carbon fiber provides stiffness and structural integrity, while Innegra adds toughness and impact resistance. Woven together in a twill pattern, the fabric creates a geometric, high-tech appearance with subtle depth.
Exterior construction
Interior options
ROC offers two interior fabric options. Both deliver exceptional durability — the difference is visual character.
Carbon / Innegra Twill
A unified technical look that carries the exterior weave inside the hull for a clean, modern composite aesthetic.
Basalt / Innegra Co-Mingle
A warmer, more organic weave. Basalt fibers introduce natural color variation and texture while maintaining the strength ROC is built around.
Interior option- basalt
Basalt/Innegra Co-mingle
Interior option: carbon
Carbon/Innegra weave
Also consider
Lightest
If minimizing carry weight matters more to you than toughness, take a look at the FLX layup.
Cost
For extra cost savings check out the Kevlar Hybrid layup.
Layup name
FLX
Optimized for
Lightweight
where it shines
FLX is built for paddlers who want to lighten their load. It’s easier to lift onto a vehicle, easier to carry on long portages, and easier to handle around the launch.
Spend less effort getting to the water and more time paddling.
Scroll →
Materials
Carbon Fiber
Exceptional stiffness and strength at very low weight. FLX uses high-quality aerospace-grade carbon with varying orientation to create a light, responsive structure.
Kevlar
A puncture resistant backbone- proven tough over decades
Exterior Construction
Carbon Fiber
The exterior hull surface uses carbon fiber.
Carbon’s stiffness helps the hull maintain its shape under load while keeping overall weight to a minimum, creating a canoe that feels crisp and efficient on the water.
Exterior Construction
Interior Construction
Carbon Fiber
The interior laminate also features carbon fiber, creating a unified lightweight structure inside and out.
Strategically placed Kevlar reinforcement layers add toughness and puncture resistance in key areas without significantly increasing weight.
Interior Construction
Also consider
Durability
If maximum toughness is your priority, take a look at the ROC layup.
Cost
For a more budget-friendly composite construction, consider the Kevlar Hybrid layup.
Layup name
Kevlar Hybrid
Optimized for
Affordability
where it shines
Cost conconscious composites
Kevlar Hybrid is designed for paddlers who want the advantages of a composite canoe while keeping cost accessible.
It’s a dependable layup suited for recreational paddling, tripping, and everyday use without the higher cost of more complex laminate constructions.
Scroll →
Materials
Kevlar
Rugged and highly resistant to puncture damage, Kevlar has been trusted by wilderness paddlers for decades.
S-Glass
A strong fiberglass that provides reliable composite performance at a more approachable cost.
Exterior construction
S-Glass
The exterior hull layer uses S-glass fiberglass. Most boats in this layup are finished with a full exterior gel coat, available in any of our standard colors.
S-glass provides dependable structural performance and has the added benefit of being relatively easy to repair if the hull is damaged.
Exterior construction
Interior construction
Kevlar
Kevlar reinforcement layers form the backbone of the interior structure.
Kevlar’s toughness helps the canoe resist punctures and impacts while maintaining the lightweight feel that composite canoes are known for.
Interior construction
Also consider
Durability
If having the absolute toughest construction is your top priority, take a look at the ROC layup.
Lightest
If minimizing carry weight matters most to you, take a look at the FLX layup.
Layup name
Premium+
Optimized for
Versatility
where it shines
Built as a true all-around layup, Premium Plus balances weight, durability, and cost for paddlers who want one canoe that does everything well across a wide range of conditions.
Scroll →
Materials
Carbon Fiber
Aerospace grade stiffness and strength
Kevlar
A puncture resistant backbone- proven tough over decades
S-Glass
Reliable composite performance that adds durability and resilience.
Exterior Construction
S-Glass
The exterior hull layer uses S-glass fiberglass. Because that glass is transparent, the Kevlar reinforcement beneath it becomes visible and defines the canoe’s exterior appearance.
S-glass provides dependable structural performance and has the added benefit of being relatively easy to repair if the hull is damaged.
Exterior Construction
Interior Construction
Carbon/Kevlar weave
This hybrid weave the stiffness of carbon fiber with Kevlar’s toughness, creating a balanced structure suited to a wide range of paddling conditions. Because both the Kevlar and carbon run along multiple axes, this material provides multi-directional toughness and rigidity.
Interior Construction
Also consider
Durability
If maximizing toughness is your top priority, take a look at the ROC layup
Cost
For extra cost savings check out the Kevlar Hybrid layup
Lightest
If minimizing carry weight matters most to you, take a look at the FLX layup
Four Ways to Build a Hemlock Canoe
LAYUP OPTIONS
The fabrics used in a Hemlock canoe can be combined in different ways to create four distinct layup constructions. Each layup balances weight, durability, and cost differently, allowing you to emphasize the characteristics that matter most for how and where you paddle.
The same canoe design can be built in four layups, each optimized for a specific priority.
FLX focuses on minimizing weight for easier carrying and efficient travel.
Kevlar Hybrid offers dependable performance while keeping cost accessible.
Premium+ balances all three considerations for versatile, all-around performance.
Each layup uses a different combination of fabrics and reinforcement strategies to achieve that goal. All of our canoe models are available in each of these layups.
Explore the layups → Premium+, ROC, Kevlar Hybrid, and FLX in details below
Layup name
ROC
Optimized for
Durability
where it shines
Built for rocky rivers, shallow water, rough landings, and the kinds of places where durability matters most, ROC offers expedition-level confidence through years of repeated use.
ROC is named for our home city of Rochester, New York — locally known as “ROC.” The name also echoes rocks: enduring, resilient, and shaped to last.
Materials
Innegra,
Advanced protection against impact and abrasion
Kevlar
A puncture resistant backbone- proven tough over decades
Carbon Fiber
Aerospace grade stiffness and strength
Exterior construction
Carbon / Innegra twill weave
Carbon fiber provides stiffness and structural integrity, while Innegra adds toughness and impact resistance. Woven together in a twill pattern, the fabric creates a geometric, high-tech appearance with subtle depth.
Exterior construction
Interior options
ROC offers two interior fabric options. Both deliver exceptional durability — the difference is visual character.
Carbon/Innegra Twill
A unified technical look that carries the exterior weave inside the hull for a clean, modern composite aesthetic.
Basalt/Innegra Co-mingle
Awarmer, more organic weave. Basalt fibers introduce natural color variation and texture while maintaining the strength ROC is built around.
Interior options
Basalt/Innegra
Interior options
Carbon/Innegra
Also Consider
FLX layup ⇔ Lighter
Kevlar Hybrid ⇔ Lower cost
Layup name
FLX
Optimized for
Lightweight
where it shines
FLX is built for paddlers who want to lighten their load. It’s easier to lift onto a vehicle, easier to carry on long portages, and easier to handle around the launch.
Spend less effort getting to the water and more time paddling.
Materials
Carbon Fiber
Exceptional stiffness and strength at very low weight. FLX uses high-quality aerospace-grade carbon with varying orientation to create a light, responsive structure.
Kevlar
A puncture resistant backbone- proven tough over decades
Exterior construction
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber provides stiffness and structural integrity, while Innegra adds toughness and impact resistance. Woven together in a twill pattern, the fabric creates a geometric, high-tech appearance with subtle depth.
Exterior construction
Carbon Fiber
Interior construction
Carbon Fiber
The interior laminate also features carbon fiber, creating a unified lightweight structure inside and out.
Strategically placed Kevlar reinforcement layers add toughness and puncture resistance in key areas without significantly increasing weight.
Interior construction
Carbon Fiber
Also Consider
ROC layup ⇔ Toughest
Kevlar Hybrid ⇔ Lower cost
Layup name
Kevlar Hybrid
Optimized for
Affordability
where it shines
Cost conconscious composites
Kevlar Hybrid is designed for paddlers who want the advantages of a composite canoe while keeping cost accessible.
It’s a dependable layup suited for recreational paddling, tripping, and everyday use without the higher cost of more complex laminate constructions.
Materials
Kevlar
Rugged and resistant to damage, Kevlar has been trusted in the wild by savy paddlers for decades.
S-Glass
Composite performance – affordable pricetag
Exterior construction
S-Glass
The exterior hull layer uses S-glass fiberglass. Most boats in this layup are finished with a full exterior gel coat, available in any of our standard colors.
S-glass provides dependable structural performance and has the added benefit of being relatively easy to repair if the hull is damaged.
Exterior construction
Interior construction
Kevlar
Kevlar reinforcement layers form the backbone of the interior structure.
Kevlar’s toughness helps the canoe resist punctures and impacts while maintaining the lightweight feel that composite canoes are known for.
Interior construction
Also Consider
ROC layup ⇔ Toughest
FLX layup ⇔ Lightest
Layup name
Premium +
Optimized for
Versatility
Where it shines
Built as a true all-around layup, Premium Plus balances weight, durability, and cost for paddlers who want one canoe that does everything well across a wide range of conditions.
Materials
Carbon Fiber
Aerospace grade stiffness and strength
Kevlar
A puncture resistant backbone- proven tough over decades
S-Glass
Reliable composite performance that adds durability and resilience.
Exterior Construction
S-Glass
The exterior hull layer uses S-glass fiberglass. Because that glass is transparent, the Kevlar reinforcement beneath it becomes visible and defines the canoe’s exterior appearance.
S-glass provides dependable structural performance and has the added benefit of being relatively easy to repair if the hull is damaged.
Exterior Construction
Interior Construction
Carbon/Kevlar weave
This hybrid weave the stiffness of carbon fiber with Kevlar’s toughness, creating a balanced structure suited to a wide range of paddling conditions. Because both the Kevlar and carbon run along multiple axes, this material provides multi-directional toughness and rigidity.
Interior Construction
Also Consider
ROC layup ⇔ Toughest
FLX layup ⇔ Lightest
Kevlar Hybrid ⇔ Cost savings
How Your Canoe Is Finished
EXTERIOR FINISHES
The exterior coating protects the hull and defines the final appearance of the canoe. Hemlock offers three finish options that balance protection, durability, and visual character.
Each option protects the composite structure beneath it — the difference is how much of the underlying fabric you want to see.
Solid Gel Coat
A traditional opaque finish available in a variety of colors.
Gel coat provides excellent abrasion resistance and a classic canoe appearance. If you prefer a solid color hull with timeless appeal and proven durability, this is the traditional choice.
UV-Resistant Clear Coat
A high-performance, high-gloss finish that reveals the composite fabric beneath it.
This option showcases the woven structure of the canoe while adding UV protection and additional surface durability. It saves weight versus gel coat while remaining surprisingly resistant to abrasion.
Clear Top with Gel Coat Bottom
Clear coat above the waterline. Gel coat below.
This hybrid approach highlights the woven fabric where it’s most visible while adding extra abrasion protection to the bottom of the hull where it sees the most wear— Available in a arange of colors
Continue Designing Your Canoe
Next Steps
Now that you understand how Hemlock canoes are built, the next step is choosing the canoe that fits how and where you paddle.
Find Your Model
Use our model comparison tools match hull designs to how and where you paddle.
Visit the Shop
See our canoes in person and explore the different layups firsthand. Schedule a shop visit or test paddle to experience how they feel on the water.
Talk to a Builder
Every Hemlock canoe is built to order. If you’d like help choosing a model, layup, or configuration, we’re happy to help.