> I've decided to build the 18.5 Walrus. Got some questions: I've got a 21'
> fir 2x10 from which I'll get only a limited number of strips. Which
> stringers demand the most strength? Second, does anyone know price
> comparisons for canvas and the alternative coverings? Third, what are the
> sources for canvas and the alternatives? Thanks, Tom

Hi Tom, I am going to start building t a Putz pretty soon. I like the sound of the coatings mentioned in the postings here, but I would like to use dacron fabric. In their catalog, Aircraft Spruce has three different synthetic fabrics for covering aircraft. The fabrics are: Poly-fiber fabric, the heaviest being 3.4 oz., "recommended for severe operating conditions and high wing loading aircraft where a tough, durable" ..... "great for agricultural, aerobatic and bush planes". I don't know how this translates to using it for kayak skin... but, it is 70" wide and is $6.95 per lin. Yd. They also have a 3.7oz. Ceconite fabric. It is a 100% polyester fabric at $7.10 lin. Yd, 70" wide. Another fabric in the catalog is a non-certified 3.7oz Dacron fabric, 66" wide and $3.80 lin.Yd. It has a tensile strength of 130 lb/in. I have no idea how this compares to cotton duck. They also have a myriad of adhesives, tapes, tools and coverings/coatings/dopes for these fabrics. The above fabrics are heat shrinkable, so a nicely skinned boat should be easily attainable. Platt Monfort mentions these fabrics for his Airolite boats (though I think he generally uses coatings that are less exotic than the ones in the catalog). You can order a catalog, free of charge from Aircraft Spruce. It is interesting and full of neat stuff for use in aircraft applications, but it is a good source for stuff like lexan, plexiglass, hardware and such. Check 'em out at www.aircraft-spruce.com Good luck, Garland