I am no expert and you will find that everyone has a different opinion, since every skin has it's plusses and minuses. However, i have done 2 kayaks so far using Skin Boats nylon and goop. On the first kayak I used 12oz Gladiator nylon. I was one of the first kayaks with this skin. The second kayak was my son's and I used 8 oz nylon on it. Here is my comparison. The 12 oz is thick and is a bit more work to cut and sew. It shrunk quite well. One thing i have noticed though is that it maintains its shape really well. I have had no issues with respect to it sagging. The Gladiator, however, has UV protection and DOES NOT take dye very well. ( I was one of the first to find this out). At first i was a bit pissed with the dye job since it wasn't consistent but after looking at the finished project it really has the look of an aged skin. - nice

The 8 oz, on the other hand, sewed much better and shrunk up really well. BUT it is really affected by temperature and humidity. So one day it might look all saggy and wrinkled and the next day it may look nice and taut. It dyed really well though and was much easier to work with.

As far as the coating, cory's goop is not the easiest to apply well. It's not hard to apply but it is hard to apply well with a nice finish. The coating is very flexible but i can't seem to do it without some runs. Nonetheless i will use no other.

if you contact Dyson he will send you an objective comparison of different materials. I haven't bought from him but he seems very helpful. I have had really good luck with Corey at Skinboats.

: good afternoon from the now slightly cooler northeast.

: thanks for all the help with various issues,. Ive been paddling the
: merganser 17W and its been fun still not pushing the boundries
: of the boat yet But I will.

: foot room is a bit tight but workable (size 12).

: anyway Im looking at doing an SOF for a winter project (wife will
: be happy No major sanding or Epoxy) id love to build a water
: dancing boat (ex 18) but the shipping is an issue (don not
: selling across the border) also Im looking at less of a mess
: this winter( actually wife wants less of a mess) so Sof it is!!.
: I may also be helping my niece /her boyfriend build a few SOF
: ,sea ranger I think (they both have plastic boats right now )

: for Myself Im looking at doing a Nikumi 18 or 19 expanded a bit for
: larger feet (size 12).

: Ive read many pros cons on the different skin material but what are
: most of you using??

: Nylon: easy sewing ( one problem cant get good oil based finishes
: in NY state)

: Poly (I like that water based finish works)

: Vinyl Looks great pretty durable (clear Not too durable I hear ?? )
: Vinyl seems labor intensive due to all the prep work and glueing
: compared to sewing.

: your thoughts please

: Ill start in early fall take my time so it will be ready for ice
: out unlike the merganser that I started in Feb.

: have a great night

: 'John"

: many thanks

: "John"