: . . . Is there
: a current "most common" as far as ease to work with
: and good performance for a new person to utilize?

Heavy cotton canvas has been around for centuries. The heavy weaves of nylon and polyester, including Cordura (r), are wonderful replacements which size for size are stronger, so usually people use a lighter weight synthetic fabric, something n the 9- or 10-ounce weight for polyester or nylon as opposed to the 14-ounce weight of #10 Cotton Duck canvas.

If you are using a clear coating you may find that nylon degrades faster from UV than cotton does. On the other hand, cotton will get mildew and rot faster than a synthetic. Treat the skin with a mildew retardant (mix it in the coating, or slosh some borax around inside the boat) and keep the boat shaded when not in use, and you'll get maximum life from the hull.

If you can find a copy, I recommend George Putz's book on Canvas Covered kayaks and boats. Check Amazon.com. He recommends an oil-based house paint applied to a water-dampened canvas skin.

Or, avoid all the coating problems and skin your first boat with clear vinyl, or a precoated PVC fabric.

PGJ.