> I am building an Alaskan recovery kayak using the SK article as a guide.I
> plan on buying Cordura nylon ~7oz. for the skin.I noticed that the fabric
> was marked "waterproof"; the salesman at the discount store
> didn't know what that meant. Question#1 Can this "waterproof"
> fabric be painted? #2 Can a water-based paint designed for painting
> inflatables be used? (West Marine sells this paint in gray only.)

Jim,

I don't have any direct experience with Cordura nylon or painting kayak skins - but - I've been following the baidarka mailing list (you should too - go to: http://robroy.totalsports.net/baidarka/ to subscribe).

The very knowledgeable members of this list often say to never use a pre-treated fabric of any kind for a kayak skin. Those using nylon often refer to a non-coated 8 oz fabric that is typically coated with some form of polyurethane. I believe if you searched the archive listed above you will find a tremondous amount of information in this area.

BTW - have you completed the frame? How did it go? Please let us know your impressions when you get it in the water.

Enjoy, PC