John

Years ago I built a kayak from an Ideal Series book. I covered with sail canvas, very heavy, and used a lagging adhesive to waterproof, also very heavy. But I used that boat hard in Alaska for years and it stood up to more "use" than I ever expected it would. It would carry two people, or 15 gallons of drinking water, or camp meat, and was very stable. I never rolled it or even came close. Much like a Klepper in that regard.

The canvas is tough. It will last for years. Folks have success coating with paint, and Rustoleum is one brand that's been tried and proven useful. But perhaps a water-based exterior house paint would work to keep the skin tight.

Perhaps because the lagging compound was water based, once I wetted the skin and it shrank tight, it never loosened. I think your boats will continue to tighten up, just as many other builders report.

Those old designs aren't the dogs that some would have you believe. Not all of them anyway. The one I built was a fantastic boat.

Please post up the fleet story and pictures!

Regards,
Michael