: As I am sure several of you know I have become fascinated with SOF boats. I
: am going to forgo finishing my other S&G and build a SOF soon. Have to
: finish the Cherry TV console first.

: I have read what I can find on skinning materials and I am still undecided
: what I would like to skin my boat in. I like the idea (at least it sounds
: good to me) of heat shrink materials, nice smooth skin is appealing. But I
: don't see it used much in Kayaks. I see other prefer polyesters saying it
: stretches better. I just read about Ceconite. The more I read the less
: idea I have about what to use.

: I am past the stage of worrying about durability. I guess everyone has to
: that fear. Abrasion is more of an issue than anything for me but some run
: strips should fix that.

: I was hoping to get some input on what you have used. What you liked, didn't
: like etc. I think it would good info for us first timers to SOF boats.

Oh yeah, couple of things to add:

The dope that shrinks fabric is intended for natural fabrics. Traditional aircraft covering was done with linen, works well with cotton canvas too. It does not shrink dacron.

If you buy the reinforcing tape, buy the stuff with the pinked edge (like using pinking shears), it lays flatter on the base fabric than straight cut tape and the edges are more resistant to raveling. You can usually get it bias cut too and that'll drape easier than tape cut straight alone the weave.

Bill H.