kayak278 Posted July 1, 2014 Report Share Posted July 1, 2014 I've recently purchased the 11.6 oz polyester from the KudzuCraft store to cover my 19' frame. This is my 4th SOF using polyester but the first time I've used the heavier 11.6oz fabric. I'm just wondering if any of you builders out there who have used the 11.6oz have any tips or tricks that you used to get the skin really tight. I will be using the rolled cord method of sewing that is shown on one of Jeff's great videos. Here's a FROG shot and a shot of the frame wrapped in 4mil plastic just before the "plastic wrap test". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kudzu Posted July 1, 2014 Report Share Posted July 1, 2014 That is a low volume! Am I seeing things or is there minimal rocker in the front and more in the rear? I have given you my best advice in the video's. Just keep in mind it is not nylon and you can't use the same methods. It's just not that stretchy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kayak278 Posted July 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2014 There's more rocker in the front than the picture shows....I've done some work on the keel and stem since taking the FROG picture. I know it isn't one of your designs....I instead used Christopher Cunningham's book on building a Greenland kayak, which to those unfamiliar with it, uses your body's individual measurements to design a kayak around. Honestly having now built two fuselage style kayaks using cross sections and two Greenland style using the bent rib "build it around your body" method, I'm on the fence as to which style I like better. Building kayaks is definitely a disease! It's hard to stop at just one. I was just looking for any of those tips and tricks people may have discovered (on top of Jeff's awesome advice) as they've built kayaks using the 11.6oz poly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CapecodJohn Posted July 1, 2014 Report Share Posted July 1, 2014 There's more rocker in the front than the picture shows....I've done some work on the keel and stem since taking the FROG picture. I know it isn't one of your designs....I instead used Christopher Cunningham's book on building a Greenland kayak, which to those unfamiliar with it, uses your body's individual measurements to design a kayak around. Honestly having now built two fuselage style kayaks using cross sections and two Greenland style using the bent rib "build it around your body" method, I'm on the fence as to which style I like better. Building kayaks is definitely a disease! It's hard to stop at just one. I was just looking for any of those tips and tricks people may have discovered (on top of Jeff's awesome advice) as they've built kayaks using the 11.6oz poly. I used the cordage and a double thickness of the sinew to sew the two halves, I was able to put a lot of tension on the sinew to tighten the fabric, it was as tight as a drum. tighter. when I wasn't paying attention on the long shot I bent the gunnels in in places, don't know my own strength. I found I was breaking the polyester thread so I switched to the sinew. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kayak278 Posted July 7, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2014 Wow....this fabric is amazing. Definitely worth the extra $$ because with the tighter weave, you can really pull the stitching tight. I used the rolled cord method with artificial sinew. On all of my other boats, I used the 8oz fabric with braided polyester catfish line as thread and I was always disappointed with the pull holes and the fabric not being tight. As a worship leader/musician at my church, I was having fun getting different percussive tones out of my frame with the tightness of the 11.6oz poly! Rolled cord stitching: Drum tones: All sewn up....next step- ironing and gloss black Rustoleum: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kudzu Posted July 7, 2014 Report Share Posted July 7, 2014 Yea, I love this fabric too. It was a gamble when I bough it. I had to buy 300 yards of it and invest thousands of dollars hoping it would sell. I have been watching sales closely and it is steadily becoming more popular. It sells well now and that is a great relief. It's time to restock and it requires tying up a lot of cash for a small business like mine. Like you, I really like it and I use it on all my personal boats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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