I am very excited to see this excellent series of posts. I too am considering making my next boat a skin-on-frame and have gotten some great info from this thread. One question I have is whether it is feasible to canvas a kayak by yourself. In one of the web sites I was reading, it indicated that it is extremely difficult for a solo builder to canvas a boat without recruiting some additional hands. Is this true, or are there ways around this. I was unsure if the stapling and special pliers and so on allow a solo builder to do this or not.

Thanks alot, Dave Walker CLC Chesapeake 16

> Check a local art supply store, or an online one, for a special pliers
> used for stretching canvas onto the wood 'stretcher bars' it is usually
> mounted on.

> These pliers have a wide jaw for grabbing the cloth, and the side of the
> pliers has a hook-like shape which allows it to get hook over the edge of
> the sheer strip, and allow you to get some leverage for tightening the
> fabric. Then put in a few staples before you relax your grip and move on.

> If you know any artists, or are near a school that teaches art, ask to
> borrow one for a day. They cost in the neightborhood of $15 US.

> The link at teh bottom is to one model that sells for under $10. This link
> is to the "Deluxe model" which is over $22 US.

> http://www.db-secure.com/zz089/05/products.asp?param=0&ig_id=592 Hope
> this helps.

> Paul G. Jacobson