Kirk,

I've made a few variations of the Putz kayak, one using #10 cotton duck. I pulled the skin as tight as I could. I painted it outside using latex roofing paint. The skin did slacken some when the paint went on, but it is still tight enough to be serviceable. I didn't have this problem with polyester. It sounds like you already have the canvas, but did you try a tent and awning shop for the polyester?

Follow the link below to see my Skinny Polyester Putz Walrus.
http://www.members.tripod.com/pswoodenkayakers/december.htm

Or got to http://www.members.tripod.com/pswoodenkayakers/ptdefiance.htm for some shots of the canvas one and the one skinned in plywood.

Mike

: Hi all,

: I am currently fininshing the frame for my first kayak via Putz book. I have
: searched far and wide in the Phoenix area and can't find polyester canvas
: which was my first choice in skin material.

: So I did find some #10 cotton duck and am planning to skin the boat with
: this. My question is twofold. First, exactly how tight do you want to pull
: the canvas initially? My brute brother is coming over to help and I fear
: he thinks it should be so tight as to bounce kids off of. Second and most
: important, after I have skinned the boat with cotton, have any of you wet
: it down and let it dry in the sun to "pre-shrink" it before
: painting? Is this a bad idea?

: Thanks in advance, I absolutly love boatbuilding and really appreciate the
: good advice on this forum.

: Kirk