: That depends on where you paddle. While fresh water will definitely cause
: rot, salt water is actually a very good wood preservative. That's one
: reason you should not rinse out a boat with fresh water after paddling on
: the ocean.

: True, but you must use tung oil (the pure stuff), NOT linseed oil, as mold
: and mildew feed on linseed oil. Varnishing the frame is a bad idea, since
: the finish will eventually crack, water will get under it and become
: trapped, and rot will form.

That's true, since I live in the midwest I'd forgotten about salt water, does tend to act as a preservative, though the crystals formed are abrasive against the skin so there's a downside too.

Linseed oil is a poor choice for most woodwork with the possible exception of furniture, even then tung oil is better IMHO.

I coated my frame with epoxy, it won't tend to crack and only adds maybe a pound to the boat, it's protected from the sun by the skin too.

Bill H.