new technique

[Hillmann]

OuttaHand, I think you are misjudging skin on frame construction. I don't think they are any more likely to be damaged than one with an aluminum skin or a nice wood finished one that hasn't been glassed. But as with anything you do have to take some care with it. Mostly you would have to store it out of the weather when not in use and be extra careful to keep mice from eating it.

Somewhere online there is a build journal of someone who built a skin on frame kayak and on his way to the lake he had the kayak tied to the top of the jeep. He ran the jeep off the road and it landed upside down on top of the kayak. The jeep was a total loss and the kayak only had one broken stringer. I tried finding it so I could put a link to it but no luck.

[GPW]

I see this idea as a woodworkers Dream !!! Lots of small dia. pieces that have to be accurately cut , fit and braced... Economical on material ,but those used, must be chosen carefully... Since we're not expecting it to fly as an aircraft would, weight is not a consideration , and heavier density , stronger woods ,such as Hickory ,could be used for the entire framing , providing a STRONG structure , only enhanced by the covering ... and the new fabrics are Very Tough...

Could be a very gratifying project from the woodworkers standpoint ... a Garage Queen for sure More a Craftsman's project