Or, in the case of limited power sources such as sails or oars, better performance. Wood is versatile. Wood construction can be high tech or low tech, suitable for small or large boats, used by professionals pushing the edges of performance and design, and also by back-yard builders putting together a kit boat with their kids. Recent examples of the above would include offshore racing powerboats built of light weight marine plywood, spruce, epoxy, and fiberglass, and 60 twelve foot skiffs built by family teams at the last Wooden Boat Show . Wood is a familiar material, readily available, workable with common tools.
Wooden boats can be easily and reliably repaired.
Even wood's ability to rot can be an advantage. At the end of it's useful life an old wooden boat can be allowed to rot back into the earth, or recycled by other means. Wood is quiet. Wood's ability to absorb vibration results in a reduced sound level, an important factor in fishing. Wood can be low maintenance.