"University of Rhode Island"
(18th place overall)

Product (11th):

Name of Canoe: The Islander
Length: 20 ft
Weight: 98 lb
Color: marine blue 

Vital Stats:

The University of Rhode Island, located in Kingston, Rhode Island, was the representative from the New England Region.  This was the team's sixth consecutive appearance at nationals.  Their highest finish to date was eighth in 1998.

Display (11th):

Canoe/Materials/Facts:

The team from Rhode Island made several modifications on this year's canoe based on their experience last year.  While their 2000 competition entry was easier to turn, it was not fast enough in open water.  Therefore, the length of their canoe this year was increased.  In addition, the fore and aft rockers were enlarged in order to increase the canoe's maneuverability.  The Islander also employed a hybrid hull, which utilized a shallow arch in the mid-section that transitions to a shallow "V" in the bow and stern.

The materials used in construction of this canoe were Portland Cement Type II, latex (Acrylic Polymer), Glass Micro Balloons (ecospheres) and water.  The canoe was reinforced with alternating layers of carbon fiber and fiberglass, a strong and cost-effective solution, rather than using purely carbon fiber or fiberglass reinforcement.  The canoe was cured for 28 days.  Fourteen of these days were a wet cure during which the canoe was wetted once a day.  During the final two weeks, the boat was allowed to dry cure.