I used 50lb test braided Dacron (not nylon) fishing line to sew up my nylon skin. It was Cabela's brand, and it worked fine. Never felt it was going to break while trying to tighten the seam. I will probably use this stuff to do the large zig-zag tightening stitches on the next boat, like Brian Schultz at Cape Falcon Kayaks does. I found the 3/4 inch batten method espoused on Corey Freedman's Skinboat School website didn't quite get the skin tight enough. That, and my not-so-good solar-based shrinking...

I'm planning to do a '59 Igdlorsuit replica using plywood frame and stringer construction (Yost-style) and I was planning to lash rather than glue. Based on other replies on this thread, I will use waxed artificial sinew to do the lashing rather than my round braided Dacron. The wax makes the line hold better, as I have learned from whipping rope ends. Bought some whipping twine from West Marine before I found my Grandfather's old spool of flat waxed. I couldn't imagine whipping with that thin, round waxed stuff from West Marine...

Brian

: Ran out of waxed sinew and decided to try some braided nylon used for fishing
: I had seen someone use. I HATE IT! I will use it in a couple of spots I
: have left to do but I am sticking with waxed artificial sinew! The braided
: line is to thick, doesn't pull tight as easy. I can't do two or three
: wraps and then pull like I do with the waxed sinew. It loosens up way to
: easy compared to the sinew. I don't seem to be able to pull it as tight as
: the sinew. Honestly I was not impressed. Of course I am sure there are
: those of you that feel exactly the opposite.

: I have found a lot of it for sale at widely varying prices. I am looking at
: the 70# rated and waxed. Do you have a favorite source you can recommend?

: Jeff