Kevlar is a strong (40% stronger than fiberglass) material, perfect for building light-weight (35 pounds for a 17-foot canoe) fast maintenance-free canoes. The only problem with Kevlar canoes is their cost. With this book, the most inexperienced home builder can turn out a handsome canoe for an investment of about $600 and a few weekends. The principal tools needed are a sharp pair of scissors and a $5 hand plane (and the method is astonishingly easy and forgiving). Featured are designs for a stable family canoe, a solo canoe and a wilderness tripper, any of which can be built right from this book.