> I would like too find out how too make a spray skirt, techniques
> and types of materials used. Any help would be much appreciated.

Hi, Stephen - I have been making spray skirts for our homemade boats using neoprene fabric purchased from Seattle Fabrics. I found an old article in Sea Kayaker on making spray skirts and used this method combined with plans available from Rob Macks for paddle, skirt, knee pads, etc.

Basically, you take some 1/4' bungee cord (about 8-10 feet is good to work with) and put it around the cockpit stretching it taut and tying a knot in the back to hold it in place. Take the bungee off (keeping the knot in it) and put your fabric over the cockpit so that you have a couple of inches overlapping all the way around. Then take the bungee cord and place it back around the cockpit over the fabric.

to attach the neoprene fabric to itself over the bungee, you need some neoprene or seal cement. this is available from whitewater outfitters and dive shops. Place the adhesive all around the outside and inside edge (where it will fold over itself). some recommend you only glue it, but I also sew it to make it secure. You will need to cut a small hole in the fabric at the back to slip the bungee end through. When I sew it, I loosen the knot so the fabric is not bunched up which makes it easier to work with. (This is why you start with such a long piece of bungee.)

Okay now you have a big cockpit cover, and need to cut the hole to fit over your head. I have found that different neoprene fabric will have different "stretchability" so you may have to play with this. Start with a hole too small, if anything, and then make it larger. The back of the hole should be about 4" in front of the back edge of the skirt. You will probably need a hole somewhere from 10" to 12" in diameter depending on your waist size.

to make the tube, cut about 6" (depending on the height you want the tube) of neoprene fabric equal to the circumference of the hole. You will use the neoprene cement to attach this too. (again, I also sew it.)

I haven't tried nylon skirts yet, but if I come up with an easy method, I'll post that.

good luck, Judy