: consider finding a friend to pull the canvas taut while you drive
: tacks. If you can't find the proper canvas pliers, electricians pliers
: have been used, too.

: Linseed oil (plain, boiled and stand) can be found at artist supply stores,
: as can the canvas pliers.

I tried (many years ago) to pull the canvas without the fibric pliers by rolling the canvas onto a batten, hang sand bags onto both side of the boat with padded vise-grip, move the canvas into position before stabling.
You have to work small section at a time to prevent twisting the canvas.
I fold the canvas in half length-wise, mark the center along the length, unfold on the bottom of the yak, make sure it center, drive a couple of stable into the keelson in the middle and both ends, then I started the strectching with sand bag (you can use water jug) -- alternating pattern

bow ..right 9 5 1 3 7 11

xx------------------xx----------------xx

bow .. left 10 6 2 4 8 12