: I am about to place an order with Dyson and I am looking for feedback on
: weights and fabrics. I would like to go with 8 oz. Nylon or Polyester. I
: would appreciate hearing any feedback on these two materials or reasons
: for choosing something else. Thanks.

Hi Greg,

I've used both Nylon (8oz) and Polyester (9oz) and have had good luck with both.
My favorite of the two is Nylon. It is easy to shrink to a nice tight fit
with moisture. Polyester shrinks a lot less ( heat only), and doesn't make as
tight a skin, at least not for me.

Nylon also seems to be better at abrasion resistance, and seals with fewer
coats of Hypalon or Neoprene. I haven't used urethane coatings, so can't
comment on them.

My new skin of choice is PVC/Polyester. It's better for folding skins as it
can withstand the added stresses of repeated removal and folding, and since
there is no sewing or coating, is easier to work with than the others.

Built as a two-piece ( hull / deck), PVC is a snap to use. The downside is
the small wrinkles left in the skin near the hull center (gunwale/chine area)
due to it's no shrink properties. However, for me, it's a small price to pay
for simplicy and durabilty. At $5.00 yd ( 36" X 61"), it makes an inexpensive
skin. The glue costs about $10.00 qt. but with only one glue seam at the
gunwale, and two small stem / stern pieces, you'll need very little.

All three skin types will do a good job. It's nice to have options.

Tom