: Hi there,
: Based on my very limited but recent experience, I suspect you are trying too
: hard. The brands "coverlight" or "coverene" may be
: hard to find locally, but there is other PVC fabric locally. Find a maker
: of truck tarps, awnings, boat covers, etc. and they will likely have the
: an 18 oz PVC fabric. (See the recent discussions on the subject here on
: the KBBB.)

: I found the stuff I am about to use at Denham Awning Makers here in
: Saskatoon: http://www.denhamawningmakers.com/ They charged me $10.50/m.
: If you can't find your own locally, I'm sure they'd ship. Since they are
: in Canada there would be no border issues. Call or e-mail them and you can
: probably get the specs for the fabrics they have. Blow their minds by
: having two kayak guys contact them in 1 week! The one caveat I have is
: that I have not used what I purchased yet.

: Cheers,
: Bryan

Thanks for the info Bryan, I'll give them a call tomorrow. I've talked to a few wholesalers here in Toronto, but they won't sell to the "general" public. The list of retailers they recommended to me:

a) Had no idea what I was talking about or
b) Didn't speak English or
c) Required a minimum order of $500 (or more!) or
d) Were willing to order product for me but didn't have any info or samples.

Grrrr.

I'm building four Kayaks for the family using Tom Yost's designs (Sea Tours) and I like the durability of the PVC stuff over Dacron and paint.

I'll let Denham know that you referred me (maybe they'll give you a discount).

Thanks
John