: When I asked the fibric store for cotton cavas to build a yak, the lady gave
: me this horrify look on her face. She went to talk to the manager and come
: back later. She refused to sell anything to me that day.

ROTFL!!! Good thing Shawn B. wasn't there asking about material for a PFD. They'd have you guys in the loony bin :-)

I'd agree with the Levis comment above, but have never tried anything lighter like that. Shoe canvas sounds reasonable. I wouldn't think coloring would have any effect. In fact a dye job on the canvas yourself might be nice. Treated fabrics (i.e. anti stain treatment or such) could possibly be troublesome, but I wouldn't think that would be found on canvas. You could always get a scrap and test it with urethanes, epoxy, etc.

Bill