: I know this has been discussed and debated ad infinitum, but...I
: NEED to discuss this again. I really would like to know what
: everyone is using to skin their kayaks and why? I know the
: beloved 8 oz nylon is not available so...is the 7 oz nylon
: better than the 8.9 oz primo? Is nylon better than polyester,
: ie. 7 oz/8.9 oz nylon vs 8 oz polyester? Don't think I want to
: use a 12 oz product unless there are definite advantages...we
: are paddlers and rollers and don't do the surf/rock garden
: thing.

: Also, what is everyone using to coat their kayaks and why? Goop vs
: Zar vs Coelan vs Dura-tuff?

: Thanks...don't mean to try everyone's patience.

I mostly use 8oz polyester these days, from George Dyson. I am very, very happy with it. It may be a bit less puncture resistant than the 8oz nylon, but it is much more stable - my boats now no longer look like raisins when they get wet. Also, each and every wrinkle you make while skinning can be magically and permanently removed with the application of heat.

I coat with ZAR, or an oil based paint if I want a specific color. Both are cheap, easy to apply and last well.

Check out Mike Bielski's skinning and coating overview, here: http://www.qajaqusa.org/QUSA/newsletter.html (Starting around pg 44)

And, here's a pic of my Disko Bay project, which I skinned today - with 8oz polyester. I'll finish it up soon, weather permitting!