Thanks PGJ. Ash is a good alternative idea. I'm not sure about pre-cutting at home, I need to work out the longest lengths I can take: it would make it easy if I could do that though. Being naturally lazy, I'm still interested to know if I can easily get full length (4m) nice pieces in Sweden...

I thought about Tom's covering method with truck tarp material, and it looks very efficient, but I much prefer the look of the nylon or canvas sewn on and treated to waterproof and shrink, so I'd like to do that if I can.

Agreed re. Klepper! Maybe I will end up making it completely at home with components not fully attached together, then take it apart and glue together in Sweden. Would be a challenge to force it into the very tight sewn skin I'd prefer though. Has anyone done this?