HBREW

After a number of different attempts, I finally arrived on this method which gives me a good tight skin with a nice finish on the 11.6. It is similar to Jeff's earlier application in that I ran a running stitch along each cord encasing the fabric on the sides of the deck beam. I used my curved needle and stitched the two corded sides together with the whip stitch pulling the sides together as I made each stitch. It requires a lot more time than the double corded stitch but requires a lot less hand- finger strength in rolling the fabric around the cords and holding them in position while sewing. It is an alternative which seems to give good results. Thanks for the replies on this post.

Thanks for the information. Looks like it will be a help and I will certainly look into it. I went back and tried a curved needle which helped me a great deal in hooking the corded fabric together to pull them tight. I am still not satisfied with the look and consistency of the stitch. I may be trying to get the stitch too tight which exaggerates small errors and perhaps I am also expecting too nice of a finish on 11.6 with this stitch. From what I see on some of the post the 11.6 (except for Jeff's) do not finish as smooth as the 8 oz. which I would guess is the result of the stretch and shrink factor. As I have invested in this fabric I want to see what I can accomplish. I will try the pre-tension when I get to the bow section.

Thanks for the reply. Yes I have been looking for a helper rather than my wife. Did you use the running and whip stitch on the 8 oz? I have the investment in the 11.6 and need to try to make it work if I can, if not to the 8 to finish the kayak. I had mild CT all along but it hit the severe on my rt. hand and moderate on my left as I had more time for more physical work (cutting and splitting wood, clearing brush, etc.) after I retired. It reached the stage where rest did not help and surgery was necessary.

I do use a dowel to pull the stitches together (was able to make good lashings). The rolling of the fabric around the cord and getting them in position to sew is the main issue as I do not have complete feelings in my thumb and weakness. I tried stitching one of the cords separately then rolling the other and then sewing but still did not get what I felt was satisfactory. I feel I could handle the running and whip stitch but in testing the fabric with an iron I agree, shrinkage seems to be very little and probably not satisfactory results but if this has been done it might be my solution. I do not want to continue with putting holes in the fabric on something that does not seem to work especially if I can find an alternative someone has used with good results. Thanks for any help.

I have not had experience skinning a SOF kayak and ordered the 11.6 oz fabric for my short shot not realizing how much hand strength is required for this fabric with the double corded stitch. I developed carpal tunnel at 70 and had a release last year which has significantly reduced the strength in my right hand. I have made several unsuccessful attempts to get the stitch tight enough to feel good about the skin consistency and tightness. I understand the 11.6 does not shrink well with heat so I am looking for a possible option as to how to get a tight skin with another method. Does anyone one have a successful experience with this fabric using a different method of stitching or fastening the skin to the frame. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated Thanks

From what I read it seems to be. Is the caulk put in between the fabric only or on the wood as well? Thanks

Is there anything on this yet? I have seen several references to it but would like to see a a write up and photos if available.

Thanks, has anyone ever tried any of the deck staining products like Cabot?

Please steer me in the right direction. The only thing that I find in a google search for Dura Tuff is FAMOWOOD Dura-Tuff Clear Coat that seems to relate to a skin coating. This is described as a polyurethane. Jeff, is this what you used as I would like to use a tinted clear coat on the kayak skin or have I not gone far enough in my search. Thanks ?

I see 11.6 and 8 oz. polyester listed in the store as available. When will the 6 oz and recycled fabric be available? Will be needing to order fabric in the near future and would like to consider these as possibilities.

Has anyone ever made a combing out of laminated ash?

Thanks for the information. The floor stringers appear to be 5/8 x 5/8. Is this the case or are they also 3/4 x 5/8?

I have destroyed my original plans when I cut out the frames with the plans glued on to the plywood. The instructions in the assembly manual for short shot give instruction for the stringers as Gunwales are 1-1/2 x 5/8, one set chine stringers are 1 x 5/8, the rest of the stringers are 5/8 x 5/8. Printed on the plans "On multi-chined boats some of the stringers are 3/4 x 5/8". My deck, keel, and outside chine stringer notches are a good fit, the others are the ones that are loose. The 3/4 notch makes them a good fit. Would some one verify this is the correct build for short shot.

I have a few that are probably between 1/16 and 1/32. Will make a not so tight fit.

How do you repair a notch cut too large in the frame for stringers?

I have found and picked up a sheet of 1/2 inch Baltic birch and my plans as well as a couple of rolls of sinew are due here tomorrow for Short Shot. I am new to SOF but not to Kayaking as I own a couple of WS kayaks (One plastic and one fiberglass round chined model) and have paddled Kayaks starting in the early 90'S when my partner backed out on me on a November Okefenokee 3 day camping trip. One of the group was a kayaker and offered me use of one of his kayak. As we left the launch on a cool rainy day I watched the canoers putting their gear in plastic bags and putting on rain gear as I slipped on my spray skirt over my rain jacket and settled into the kayak with my gear secured in the waterproof hatches. Most enjoyable trip I have ever had. I have always wanted to build a SOF kayak but could not dedicate the time. I am retired and excited to go. I like the rounded chined (reason for short shot) and do not need the volume of Long Shot or Ravenswood. I have been going through the forum and picking up valuable information. I would appreciate any tips and info (especially related to Short Shot) that any may offer. I will not be so lengthy in my future post. Thanks

Does anyone know of a supplier of Baltic Birch in the Georgia - Alabama area? Have struck out in my search. Thanks