: I'm anticipating building a couple of SOF kayaks for my sons (after finishing
: a couple of Shearwaters and a Pygmy AT 17), and so I was searching for
: fabrics and came across seattlefabrics.com, which sells a marine-grade
: cordura-type polyester (600x600) called Sur Last (then I found
: surlast.com). Is this the type of fabric I should be looking for (it's an
: oxford weave), or can somebody tell me a brand name/item name so I can get
: the right thing.
: Thanks very much.
: -Mike

Not sure what kind of use you will be getting out of the smaller boats, but many folks are using either 8oz Nylon from Dyson, Baidarka and Co. or Tacoma Tent and Awning sells a 9-10oz Polyester fabric.

I tested both with some pucture test and both held up well, untill I let my grandson go at them with a screwdriver. The finish ( waterborne, clear Varathane ) was damaged on the nylon, but the polyester failed under this test. The nylon didn't seem to "bond" as well with the Varathane, but oil based might have worked better. The polyester bonded very well and in all the punctures we incurred with ti, the finish didn't seperate from the cloth.
It was a give and take situation.. I believe both would be suitable for the lighter boats and several folks have used it on their full sized boats with very good results. Some have gone to 12 and 13oz. nylon and/or polyesters.

I am using the nylon on my grandkids boats and the polyester on my own. On my tests I got the best ( read tightest ) skins from wetting the cloth and stitching it while keeping it damp. It stretches better and shrinks up much tighter.

Seattle Fabrics does have some good fabric, but check out these other sources as well. I believe you will get some good prices there.
*************************************
Tacoma Tent and Awning
121 North G Street
Tacoma, WA 98403

253-627-4128
1-800-481-4128
253-572-7791 (FAX)
**************************************
Gotchy, Thomas
E-mail Address(es):
tellytom@msn.com
Business Information:
Company: Dyson Baidarka & Co.
Address:
431 W. Holly St.
435 also
Bellingham, Wa. 98225
Phone: (360) 734-9226
****************************************

Hope this helps.

Rehd