: Jerry,

: When I build a SOF 'yak, I use rot resistant wood like western red cedar. I
: also treat the wood, either with a deck sealant or oil
: (linseed-oil/teurpentine/kerosene mix). This keeps the frame weight down.
: Just make sure you have adequate thickness as western red cedar is not as
: strong as some other woods.

: I would guess that Platt calls for varnish on the frames of his Geodesic
: boats.

: Mike

Yes, Platt uses a varnish or urethane (the kevlar roving is coated too). Oil or kerosene finishes are off limits since the fabric is glued to the frame (a heat activated glue tape "Heat-n-Bond" is used). For stapled or sewed skins, this wouldn't be a problem.

As for Rehd's concern of the fabric rubbing the sealer off, I don't believe it would be a problem. If it were, you'd probably need to be replacing the skin at that point anyway. No matter what you coat with, you definitely want to dry the boat out well between uses.

Bill