I need some ideas from the collected knowledge of the forum. My first build -a Cunningham/Morris kayak- has developed cracks in the coating all along the hull. I have stripped the skin and started to reconfigure the frame. Aside from some comfort issues that I have already worked on I would like to get a nice fair curved front deck, much like all those strippers I have lusted after. Since I am a retired sheet metal worker my first thought was to use a piece of thin gage aluminum to support the skin. Since this would add 2 -3 lbs to an already over built boat, and somehow just didn't seem right, I would like to explore other alternatives. Another thought was to string some Spectra fishing line back and forth from the masik to the bow, with the strands about 1/2" apart to support the skin. I would have to tension the line to keep it from sagging, and brace the masik to keep it steady. I am afraid that tensioning would pull some extra rocker in the hull, and shrinking the skin would pull more. That's as far as my thinking has gotten me. I would like to keep it as simple as possible and fairly light. Any ideas would be welcomed, no matter how different.

Thanks
Bill