: I found a website from a company that makes the products ( neoprene, hypalon,
: etc) that are used in inflatable boats. Their site has tips on recoating
: and goes into some depth and detail.

: http://www.gaco.com/boatrepair/

: there is also a mention of a urethane covered skin-on-frame kayak, which uses
: their GacoFlex UA-7000 aliphatic urethane. they claim that once the
: material is cured it is waterpoof and abrasion resistant. According to
: their article, kayak builder Bill Low of Willow Industries claims he has
: never had a puncture when using this stuff. (He must not go near the rocks
: *I've* seen!)

: http://www.gaco.com/boatrepair/kayak_case_histories.html

: you might want to call them and ask if the urethane can go over your existing
: neoprene. I think somewhere on their site they mention using it as a
: clearcoat over neoprene and for protecting decals, so it just might adhere
: and give you the additonal abrasion resistance you want.

: Of course, it is not cheap. You can buy their materials by mail order through
: the site, and the prices are listed.

: Hope this helps.

: PGJ

: - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - -
: Handcrafted Kayak built by Bill Low and protected by Gaco Western UA-7000
: Clear Coating.

Thanks Paul,

I have seen the Gaco site. I am not sure that I would go with the urethane, since I want to be able to keep my boat as a folding kayak.
Gaco has no dealers in Canada, although they do have sales reps. It is possible to get the material, which ships from their plant in Washington state. It ships as hazardous material. The Ontario rep is trying to see if I can get a gal of neoprene off a shipment going to Nova Scotia.

A Canadian company called Ducan (www.ducan.com) makes a hypalon product called topcote (available in hunter green, grey, beige , and white). It is part of a deck coating system. George Dyson orders the white from this company. Apparently it is available from various hardware/lumber outlets west of Ontario.

Regards,

Eric