: I'm wondering what thoughts people have about the relative merits of the
: materials available for covering a skin on frame kayak. I definitely want
: something I can paint when it's done.

: Thanks to Bill, Mike, and Greg for their prompt and informed responses to my
: previous query about seats, etc.

I am reading "The Brendon Voyage" book about a kayak type boat covered with oxhides like the ones used by 6th-century Irish saints reputed to have reached the New World before Columbus. It was sailed 4,500 miles with 2 square sails by Tim Severin and crew to duplicate the supposed 6th century voyage. It is very exciting, and just their researching the way 6th century oxhides were turned into leather and sewed so they would with stand the conditions of the sea is exciting in itself. The same goes for the wood they selected and cut.

John