I think the fragility issue may be born of the fact that some hulls are easily dented. The easily made dings and wow's give the impression that the hulls are not strong enough to be slapped around or even pushed up the beach. If the hull can be deformed easily with the palm of your hand it does make one wonder. When I went shopping for a cat I was disappointed in the extra care that has to be taken with most of today's hulls.