: What are the approximate weights of the skin for an average skin on frame?

: I'm looking for examples, like: Painted canvas: xx pounds, 26oz synthetic: xx
: pounds, 9oz, etc.

: Also, what's the running favorite skin material? (Lightweight conditions,
: btw)
: Thanks!

For a 17' Aleut kayak the skin weighs 12 lbs in 15 oz canvas that has 3 coats of paint. In 8 oz nylon with four coats of one part polyurethane about five pounds.

8 oz nylon is the cheapest and pretty good durability- just don't drag the kayak up the beach if you can help it.

If you use lightweight wood like white pine, white spruce , any western cedar or southern swamp cypress you can get a 16-17' kayak to weigh in at about 30-35 lbs with a synthetic skin.