Wooden boats are also rigid so that your paddling energy isn't lost on flexing as with a plastic boat. Even wooden boats built from modern materials require some special care and maintenance. You have to be careful when paddling along rocky shores to not hit the rocks hard or you can scratch or even damage a wooden boat similar to a fiberglass boat. Maintenance consists of rinsing the boat with clean water after use to remove weeds and other living material and sand, and a light sanding and revarnishing of the outside every one to three years, depending on your use. On the aesthetic side, I'd rather paddle a beautiful wooden boat than plastic or fiberglass any day.
People instantly notice wooden boats because of their natural beauty.
The Inuit depended on boats of this design to carry heavy loads through powerful, stormy seas over great distances. They are known for their speed and seaworthiness. Some of the original European explorers to Alaska believed them to be superior to any other boat known. During the period of Russian colonialization the native Alaskans were forced to paddle as far is the current state of Washington to hunt seals. We have translated this design to modern mahogany marine plywood, epoxy, and fiberglass materials.