: i have searched and read most of the posts i could find about vinyl skins on
: SOF's but i still am in a quandry about it durability.

As I tell anyone who asks...Clear (unsupported) Vinyl is more show than go.

I've used it to display the frames on two wood frame SOF's, and they get
plenty of attention as a result, not all of it positive. I was stopped in
traffic and a guy asked me if the boat actually goes in the water ?

I'm careful on entry / exit, and have no problems. I had planned to re-skin
both this year with sewn nylon / brushed hypalon, but they are holding up
better than I expected (no patches)...maybe next year. I've paddled each boat
about 10 times so far. That may not sound like much, but they are competing
with many other boats for on-water time

The woven polyester cloth core is the key to PVC's strength, not the vinyl
coatings. It's difficult to compare vinyl's as they are not all created equal.
Mine came from Wal-Mart if you get my drift !

Tom