I've been a sometime poster who's enjoyed input from this excellent forum (thanks expecially to Paul Jacobson). To recap briefly, I'd attempted a SOF which was a (hugely) modified version of Putz's Walrus. Instead of wood, I used PVC ribs which were heat-bent into shape. The gunwale was formed of a PVC/plywood I-beam. The skin was to be retired billboard fabric, and then truck tarp fabric.

I've abandoned the project, but have some comments to make. Perhaps there's some useful information for someone interested in the unconventional.

1. Neither the billboard fabric nor the truck tarp fabric would seal sufficiently using either the PVC solvent/glues I tried nor using heat sealing with our household iron (don't tell my wife!). Seams I thought were tight would separate after curing (?) for several weeks. It was also very easy to overheat the fabric and have it degrade thusly. This problem led to my ditching the project in favor of something more tried and true.

2. The frame was tough as nails! I'm pleased to report that the I-beam and the ribs were VERRRY tough as revealed when I tried to destroy the whole thing and put it out for trash. There may be something of use there for someone. The pvc stringers were, however, rather wimpy. PVC shines when it's in rib or I-beam fashion - not when it's straight. Perhaps more ribs could have remedied that, but I'll never know.

3. Now I'm on to trying to make a more conventional version of Tom Yost's TDY-16. It has HDPE ribs, aluminum stringers, and a hypalon skin. I'll keep ya posted on progress! I've no doubt there'll someday be a S & G boat too. Oh, I got it bad.

4. This is an amazingly patient and receptive bunch of folks. I look forward to more interaction as I progress.

ad delirium,
Wayne