: I just finished rebuilding my Greenland skin on frame last week. Last year, I
: coated the 8 oz. nylon with a solvent based polyurethane. It took 8 hours
: to dry between coats and you needed a respirator for the fumes. It left a
: yellow tint to the skin as well. I rebuilt the kayak this spring and
: coated it with water based poly. It took an hour to dry between coats and
: had no harmful fumes. Nice white color. It took me just a few days to coat
: the entire boat. Both keep water out of the boat reasonably well, but I
: wouldn't say they're completely waterproof. Given the choice, I'd pick the
: water-based poly everytime. I'm glad I didn't spend the $100 or so on
: hypalon, b/c I just ended tearing my boat down to make it fit and paddle
: better after one summer.

: Lew Crenshaw

Thank you and everyone else for the info. I am glad to here you can use water based poly. I would never have thought of that. This is my first kayak and when you say they are not completely water proof I get worried. how much do they leak? Do I need a bildge pump? Is your preference for water based poly because of the fumes or are there other advantages.