What is a "skin on frame" kayak anyway?
Basically, a frame or skeleton is built from wood, plastic or aluminum, (or some combination of the three!) then the frame is wrapped in a "skin". Any number of things can be used for the skin. So far, i have used canvas dropcloths, clear sheet vinyl, and 'sport' nylon fabric. I have heard of people using saran wrap! Sheet vinyl is waterproof, but both the canvas and the nylon need to be coated for additional waterproofing and abrasion resistance. Oil base paint coats the kayaks well, as does clear polyurethane (normally used on hardwood floors). The best stuff i have used so far, is a special two part urethane specifically designed for skin boats, but it is pricey!
Where did this idea come from?
The Inuit Indians of Alaksa pioneered this type of boat building several hundred years ago. Theirs were constructed primarily out of driftwood and seal skin! Recently, several builders across the country have resurrected this concept, using modern materials as i do. I began building my first one almost three years ago as an experiment! Then i built three more for my kids. Since then, i have made and sold several. I also taught a class where high school students built their own under my supervision! That was an interesting experiment!
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a skin on frame kayak?
Skin on frame boats are very unique. My family has never been on an outing without someone asking us about our kayaks. Each one we own is custom fit to the owner, and painted to match their personality. They are also light! Our family owns four skin boats and one 55 lb. plastic kayak. The plastic kayak is the least likely to make it in the water! My 6 year old insists on carrying his 14lb kayak down to the water himself. Priceless.
In the water, the boats are amazingly easy to paddle compared to similar sized plastic kayaks. they seem to float higher in the water, track better, and require less energy to move. We actually began this journey because i was able to build three less expensively than we could purchase them. (using canvas drop cloths and leftover paint) But the experience is far superior! I don't think we will ever go back.
There are only two real disadvantages in my opinion. Clearly, a plastic kayak will withstand more abuse in and out of the water. The skin boats are surprisingly resilient, but not made for whitewater. :-) When the two part urethane is used in combination with a good nylon fabric however, these boats are very tough. However, even our cheaply skinned canvas kayaks have survived three seasons of use! The other disadvantage is storage. the UV rays will deteriorate the skin boat much more quickly than a plastic one, (plastic lasts forever!) so they need to be stored indoors.
I hope this post was informative. skin boats are rare, and not many people know what they are. But that is part of the appeal! Feel free to ask questions.
-joel
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