The answer I got from Dave and Sandy about why it's covered in film rather than fabric is that the film will look better for a longer time. The fabric weave would tend to "fill up" with dirt, oil, whatever, and look ugly in short order.

Now if the fabric were oversprayed with a clear coat of something, which may yellow over time (who cares on a yellow plane!) that would be OK. But that would add more $$ to the already high price.

Not that the plane isn't worth the price, indeed. If it is traditional Dave Patrick quality, it'll be a winner.

Mine should be on the way whenever the boat arrives.