New guy with some questions about SOF supplies in Australia.

[Mr Bean]

Hello all

My first post , so here goes :

Are there any Australian guys here that could point me to an Australian supplier of SOF fabric and supplies ?

Also , when I read " Polyester " on build blogs , is this a special fabric just for boats or is it just a generic material ?

Do I need material specifically for boats , or can I substitute some other material with good results ?

I have no clue where to go for fabric ?

Thank you Gentlemen , ( and Ladies of course ! )

[anewhouse]

I think most people find it easier to order from USA.
I bought nylon from
skin boat fabric (http://shop.skinboats.com/Skin-Boat-Fabric_c3.htm)

A source of polyester
https://sites.google.com/a/siu.edu/build-a-c/home/dyson-notes-on-kayak-skins

Other information worth reading
Baidarka Mailing List: Re: [baidarka] Kayak Covering (http://robroy.dyndns.info/baidarka/2004/May/0020.html)

https://sites.google.com/a/siu.edu/build-a-c/home/dyson-notes-on-kayak-skins

Polyester needs to be uncoated. If you get material from fabric stores, it may be coated.

[labr@]

Welcome to the site Mr Bean.

I tried to find a local supply of skins but ended up buying from the Kudzu online store in the USA. This is Jeff Horton's shop. Jeff designs SOF boats and has published some books on building fuselage frame kayaks and canoes. I also purchased artificial sinew and adjustable footpegs from him and was very happy with both products and service. I used the 8oz polyester as it can take a wide variety of finishes (I sealed it with enamel house paint).

http://kudzucraft.net/

For stringers I used paulownia purchased from Geoff Moase in Qld.

Jeff also has a Kudzu forum where builders can ask questions specifically about his boats. If you are building a fuselage frame style then it may be useful.

Kudzu Craft Forum - messing-about Forums (http://messing-about.com/forums/forum/19-kudzu-craft-forum/)


What part of the Murray are you on?

[old1955]

Welcome to the forum Mr. Bean.

Ross

[whitewood]

For the record Geoff Moase died of a heart attack while surfing in Bali about 3 years ago. He was a great guy. I doubt if anyone took over his enterprise. I got out of the Paulownia 'business' about 6 years ago and Geoff took it on and added surf board building to it. I stopped due to age and health problems and have not followed up on what has been happening. The only person I know who sourced Australian grown paulownia from the same mill as I did is Port Phillip Shutters in Melbourne.

Whitewood

[scottz]

[QUOTE=anewhouse;1998145]I think most people find it easier to order from USA.
I bought nylon from
skin boat fabric (http://shop.skinboats.com/Skin-Boat-Fabric_c3.htm)

I've also used Corey's Skinboat online for the ballistic nylon as well as sinew, dyes and various items. I will be using them again this year given Brian Schulz's Cape Falcon F1 plans and course have just gone online...

I used western red cedar from Timbeck in Canterbury Sydney as they use straight clear vertical grain timber for manufacture of blinds. They advised that they sourced out of Brisbane. Also in SE QLD is Bywater Design (facebook, instagram) who regularly used Paulonia for hollow surf boards.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[dopeydriver]

Thanks for posting Mr Bean.
I too are having a go at SOF kayak building.
I've come to the conclusion that I will be sourcing the skin and sinew from the US , but now I'm trying to source some appropriate timber.
I'm building a Dave Gentry design for the grandkids.
Regards Rob J.

[dopeydriver]

I've taken Dave Gentry's recommendation , and am sourcing polyester from George Dyson in the US.
The artificial sinew I have sourced here in Australia , from Tandy Leather.
All good so far.
Regards Rob J.