: Hi Folks,

: I'm getting ready to build a Yost Sea Flea (11') for my daughter. I've been
: looking around town at some local sources for fabric and glue. I have
: found 3 places so far that carry PVC fabric, but they vary a lot in price
: and was wondering, is there a reason to be skeptical of the cheapest
: stuff? Or, is it pretty much all the same for a given weight?

: My options: 1) Company A: $23/m, Centex brand, 19 ounce
: 2) Company B: $14.14/m, 18 ounce
: 3) Company C: $10.50/m, 18 ounce

: I only know the brand name of the one fabric. Each place has a variety of
: colours available. I find it hard to believe there is much real difference
: between the 19 & 18 ounce fabrics based on weight alone but perhaps
: there is a quality difference that is reflected in the price? Companies B
: & C are awning & tarp manufacturers, Company A is a fabric store,
: featuring upholstery & other outdoors fabrics. The cheapest place for
: fabric is also the cheapest for the glue.

: I have only seen one of these fabrics in person so far. What should I look
: for to evaluate quality and suitability for use on a kayak?

: One final question. The fellow at Company B told me that the Red & Blue
: PVC fabrics will fade in the sun and of course red is the colour my
: daughter picked. Have others experienced this or is it not a big issue
: with a kayak that will probably be stored indoors much of the time (winter
: at least)?

: Thanks in advance,
: Bryan

Hi guys, just thought I'd throw in an update. I purchased the PVC for my Sea Flea on Monday. I went with the cheaper supplier ("Company C" from my initial post), Denham Awning Makers here in Saskatoon. After looking at the fabric and talking to them in person, I am convinced it's decent stuff. Denham makes truck tarps, boat covers, awnings, etc. I purchased some extra material in a second colour to use for some sort of design or graphic, and they threw in a few scraps in two more colours.

Regarding the fading referred to by someone else I talked to, the folks at Denham said that yes, the red would fade but their fabric has been treated with extra UV protectant.

Cheers,
Bryan

http://www.denhamawningmakers.com/