bigbill68 Posted March 30, 2016 Report Share Posted March 30, 2016 Can # 10 or 12 canoe canvas be used to cover the kayaks instead of polyester? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Action Tiger Posted March 31, 2016 Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 #10 cotton duck can be used. It's really stiff and not super durable. It's better if you coat it with aircraft dope, but paint or varnish will work. Your hands will rebel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abyssdncr Posted March 31, 2016 Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 Can # 10 or 12 canoe canvas be used to cover the kayaks instead of polyester? What's driving the question - do you just have a bunch of it on hand? My first time builder feedback for whatever it's worth... I love building things, love the structure, the joinery, the pragmatic, practical, utilitarian, and artistic touches folks make to an otherwise already elegant design. And a little piece of me cries when it all gets covered up, because now only you can truly appreciate what is hidden beneath. That little piece of me cries a lot louder and longer when a poor covering job betrays the underlying craftiness and sweat equity. I'm still working on getting the economy 6 oz poly (that was certainly cheap enough) fully sealed and "finished", but I'm beginning to loathe chasing pinholes. That said, it sewed on wonderfully, was easy to keep the straight seams, and did a delightful job of maneuvering around the curves on my FreeB. Having already procured more 6 oz cheap stuff for the next build, I'm seriously reconsidering that decision in favor of the new 6 oz tight weave fabric in hopes that it will hold the paint and seal up far better. Moral of the story being that the frugal fart in me likes to dip my toe in the water of projects to try them out without getting too fiscally vested until I'm sure I really like it, but when a project goes really well but for whatever I cheaped out on, regret is present... Now, if you already have the stuff on hand, it's a no harm, no foul proposition to give it a try, but perhaps it might be wise to keep an escape plan in your head of what you'll do if it doesn't go according to plan. Once you get your frame all built, I bet the extra $50-$75 for the "best" stuff for a well executed completion won't even be a blip on your radar vs. ending where I did with a, "Well, I bet it will at least float..." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kudzu Posted March 31, 2016 Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 I like to let the members answer and now that they have I will weigh in. First, I think you got great answers!! I have never used canvas it but I hear the same things you heard here about it. That is why I have never tried it, polyester or nylon is a better choice. Since I sell the materials I know anything I say can sound like a salesman talking, but when you look at the total cost of these boats, I think the polyester is well worth the extra. You can not buy a new boat of this weight and quality for anywhere near what you can build one for! And as for the economy polyester I am not a fan either. I have clients who want it, its strong enough to be safe and I can make money on it so I keep it. That is how I make a living but I recommend the others because they really have better fabrics and easier to work with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Action Tiger Posted March 31, 2016 Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 I should add here, I've used it all, and I would never use anything but polyester ever again. It is pretty awesome stuff for the application. I'm still okay with the cheap 6oz cloth, but I wanted thin, thin, thin. If you do use it, round everything very, very well, and stitch carefully. If you want a nice durable skin, buy a mid to heavyweight polyester cloth. Kudzu has always given me excellent service, so I would recommend him as a source. Did I mention the duck will be heavier than the polyester? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kudzu Posted March 31, 2016 Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 ..... I wanted thin, thin, thin. The premium fabric I just got in is thinner, MUCH tighter weave and has a very smooth finish. It doesn't shrink to speak of and it much higher priced but it is a beautiful fabric! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Action Tiger Posted March 31, 2016 Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 I've been thinking about building one of your little fishing boats for my buddy, and I will most likely use that new cloth on it. I will certainly use it on the Firefly when I reskin it. Something this thin and light, but still tough, with a tight weave you could pull drum tight. I have a few spots that snug on my boat, but too much tension makes dramatic pull holes. That new cloth sounds the perfect boat cloth. Guess I'll have to make at least one more... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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