P Doug (WA)

Maybe a safety razor after a coat of paint. A fusion type razor. How long would it take to shave a kayak?

Now, let's rethink this, you say animal skin (especially seal) you will have PETA after you! Stick with the "recycled", "environmentally safe" type words, you'll be a hero!

Hummm, if i had that boat, I'd tell everyone it was covered in suede. I really don't mind the look at all.

Really looks great, Bob! Congratulations.

I'll be watching this! I've convinced myself that if I get a chance that will be my next build.

I see, I thought you were talking steel wooling before even painting.

I'd be afraid of all the little metal filings from the steel wool. How would you get then out? Maybe vacuum..

What kind of paint did you use?

I swear I responded to this yesterday. Oh well, I feel the same today...SWEET! and CONGRATULATIONS! Looks great. You are braver than me, I wore a lifejacket. Thats how much I trust my building abilities.

Well you won't have to worry about people seeing you with that bright color! I like it! The second picture gives it a canvas look. I like that also.

That looks like a lot of work as compared to the whip stitch. But, I like it. Darn cats. They are all the same, always want to be in the picture. Look here, needed a picture of my new apron from Duluth Trading Co. One of those "no picture, didn't happen" things for a woodworking forum. By the way, love the apron. It has mesh in the bottom of the big pockets so the sawdust fall through.

I don't have any yet, but those look good to me. I think the only way a person could get a better fit would be to custom make them. And to get a better fit, would take some experience if a person did make them. I have the valves, tubes and glue to make some, tried to lay them out once and it wasn't easy. I don't think I would have and any better fit, had I completed the. But, I got sidetracked and haven't got back to that project yet.

Well done. Stand back with proud admiration. Show friends. Now get it to the water!

Looks good, Now we wait to see it on the water!

I used 8:1 and epoxy.

This is going to be interesting. Hope to see pictures soon.

Really looks like a great skinning job! Let's get some paint or whatever on that and hit the water!

Best thing you can do for your boys, working with them. Congrats to you for taking the time to do it. I'm old, my most cherished memories are working with my dad in his shop.

Jeff, which do you prefer as far a ease of skinning, shrinking, painting and durability for a first time builder. There has to be pros and cons for the 8oz verses 11.5oz. Weight is a given for the 8oz. durability maybe for the 11.5oz.

It will help to shrink. Around the coaming I could not get them all out, maybe I was a little timid with the heating, but it is a very difficult place to get completely smooth. I would iron the whole boat because there could be a little stretching with use. Nothing wrong with a "keeping a tight ship".

Welcome to the forum and the stitching does not take that long, even for a first timer like me. Plus it was part of the fun of the build.

Beautiful pictures.

Take your camera and have a picture taker (I know you will be too busy).

Maybe I will have to do some yard sales looking for a chair. I need a seat badly. Been sitting on a loose pad and and I really need more back support. Old bad back,, I have a strap, but I need more than it provides. What did you attach the foam with, like liquid nails or some such thing? If it were me, I add more slats. That area gets a lot, probably the most abuse of anywhere else. Getting in and out, stepping down with grime on your feet, and I would think, I am a novice so don't put much in what I say, but I would think it adds strength to the structure also. One other thing I think you will want is footrests. There are discussions on this forum of cheap, easy ways to make them or get them through Jeff's store. They are much more difficult to add after the ship is skinned.

The set if spray cans at Home Depot are $19.97. Probably any place that sells Rust-Oleum will carry it. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-Stops-Rust-18-oz-NeverWet-Multi-Purpose-Spray-Kit-274232/204216476#.UdCImPm1GSo