Author Topic: making my own packable raft (Read 15068 times)

uncoolperson · « **on:** May 13, 2009, 07:46:14 PM »

My float tube is too dang heavy to pack into some lakes, an alpacka costs way too much for me, and the curtis raft isn't sold anymore.

so I'm working on making my own.

looking for materials/design/construction ideas.

ICEMAN · « **Reply #1 on:** May 13, 2009, 07:49:23 PM »

An Axe and some twine.

How many pounds is too much?

jackelope · « **Reply #2 on:** May 13, 2009, 08:00:24 PM »

watermaster

http://www.bigskyinflatables.com/WM_Models_and_Specs.html

uncoolperson · « **Reply #3 on:** May 13, 2009, 09:23:53 PM »

Quote from: jackelope on May 13, 2009, 08:00:24 PM

watermaster

http://www.bigskyinflatables.com/WM_Models_and_Specs.html

23lbs, and $1100.

the alpacka's are 3 lbs and $700.

I want lighter than that (and a lot cheaper)

uncoolperson · « **Reply #4 on:** May 13, 2009, 09:27:06 PM »

Quote from: ICEMAN on May 13, 2009, 07:49:23 PM

An Axe and some twine.

How many pounds is too much?

I'm looking at <3lbs as a goal (and <$250 in materials [build +test]) If I go the current route.

right now I'm planning on running some tests on some cuben fiber, the ultra light weight hikers love it for just about everything.... need to see if it will suit my needs (something about 0.6 oz sq yard is cool, and unnerving). which would make the thing freakin light.

If I can work out construction and design. (i was happy the other day, remembered that whole water displacement = mass thing, then math got involved and I was really happy).

jackelope · « **Reply #5 on:** May 13, 2009, 09:58:42 PM »

Quote from: uncoolperson on May 13, 2009, 09:23:53 PM

Quote from: jackelope on May 13, 2009, 08:00:24 PM
watermaster

http://www.bigskyinflatables.com/WM_Models_and_Specs.html

23lbs, and $1100.

the alpacka's are 3 lbs and $700.

I want lighter than that (and a lot cheaper)

you were looking for design/construction/ materials ideas. i know how much they cost and how much they weigh.

you might want to have a look at washingtonflyfishing.com there's a fishing craft forum there.

ICEMAN · « **Reply #6 on:** May 14, 2009, 03:49:41 AM »

Wow, under three pounds. Didnt think that was possible. Cool idea, let us see what you learn, thanks.

uncoolperson · « **Reply #7 on:** May 14, 2009, 06:41:21 AM »

Quote from: ICEMAN on May 14, 2009, 03:49:41 AM

Wow, under three pounds. Didnt think that was possible. Cool idea, let us see what you learn, thanks.

the curtis raft was apparently sub 2 from what I've been reading. I figure with newer materials and components sub 3 would be a good goal.

(http://www.rei.com/product/785333, almost 3, and doesn't seem to get very good reviews.

uncoolperson · « **Reply #8 on:** May 14, 2009, 08:05:05 AM »

Quote from: jackelope on May 13, 2009, 09:58:42 PM

Quote from: uncoolperson on May 13, 2009, 09:23:53 PM
Quote from: jackelope on May 13, 2009, 08:00:24 PM
watermaster

http://www.bigskyinflatables.com/WM_Models_and_Specs.html

23lbs, and $1100.

the alpacka's are 3 lbs and $700.

I want lighter than that (and a lot cheaper)

you were looking for design/construction/ materials ideas. i know how much they cost and how much they weigh.

you might want to have a look at washingtonflyfishing.com there's a fishing craft forum there.

sorry, I thought you meant "go buy one".
I have a thread going there.

cohoho · « **Reply #9 on:** May 17, 2009, 09:10:35 PM »

There is a lady in AK that makes a super ultra light raft. It is three pounds or less. Check on PristineAdventures.com and ask around, I cannot remember the name of the company.. Alot of guys are using it to back pack into Sheep areas and then float out some pretty rough water. Wish I could remember the name for you.

swanny · « **Reply #10 on:** May 18, 2009, 05:51:38 PM »

Is this to heavy still? 3lbs 8oz, and only $75 seems good to me.

http://www.rei.com/product/785333

uncoolperson · « **Reply #11 on:** May 18, 2009, 06:35:21 PM »

apparently they arn't all that worthwhile, though it is my backup plan.

cohoho · « **Reply #12 on:** May 18, 2009, 08:49:10 PM »

That last boat your asking for troubles if you attempt anything but a pond crossing.....

Alpine Mojo · « **Reply #13 on:** May 18, 2009, 09:27:59 PM »

You could always ask Brian for info on materials and how he built his raft. At least get you started in the right direction.

uncoolperson · « **Reply #14 on:** May 18, 2009, 09:59:53 PM »

Quote from: Alpine Mojo on May 18, 2009, 09:27:59 PM

You could always ask Brian for info on materials and how he built his raft. At least get you started in the right direction.

as in curtis?

Alpine Mojo · « **Reply #15 on:** May 20, 2009, 06:16:07 PM »

sisu · « **Reply #16 on:** May 20, 2009, 07:17:47 PM »

Quote from: uncoolperson on May 13, 2009, 09:23:53 PM

Quote from: jackelope on May 13, 2009, 08:00:24 PM
watermaster

http://www.bigskyinflatables.com/WM_Models_and_Specs.html

23lbs, and $1100.

the alpacka's are 3 lbs and $700.

I want lighter than that (and a lot cheaper)

How about a dozen of those cheap no thrill condoms?

They're supposed to be industrial strength.

uncoolperson · « **Reply #17 on:** May 20, 2009, 07:29:34 PM »

Quote from: sisu on May 20, 2009, 07:17:47 PM

Quote from: uncoolperson on May 13, 2009, 09:23:53 PM
Quote from: jackelope on May 13, 2009, 08:00:24 PM
watermaster

http://www.bigskyinflatables.com/WM_Models_and_Specs.html

23lbs, and $1100.

the alpacka's are 3 lbs and $700.

I want lighter than that (and a lot cheaper)
How about a dozen of those cheap no thrill condoms? They're supposed to be industrial strength.

there's an idea!

CastleRocker · « **Reply #18 on:** May 23, 2009, 11:34:53 PM »

Quote from: ICEMAN on May 13, 2009, 07:49:23 PM

An Axe and some twine.

How many pounds is too much?

That's what we always used to use. Unlash it when you leave. It works very well when the fish are rising just out of reach.

AlpineMuley · « **Reply #19 on:** June 02, 2009, 07:01:38 PM »

REI sells a small raft made by sevylor-trial boat for $65. Check it out, good for spin fishing bad for fly fishing. The boat is small and you will begin to spin. The boat only weights 2 pounds.

uncoolperson · « **Reply #20 on:** June 02, 2009, 07:12:39 PM »

I looked into it, lots of people had less than good things to say... although it's my summer fall back plan.

the raft is almost done, a few pinholes to find in the seams then add the floor.... taking a break did 4 days straight last week/this weekend.

gonna do a much better job this winter.

hawksfan75 · « **Reply #21 on:** June 05, 2009, 11:10:29 AM »

If you want to stress test it, let me know

This sounds like a fun little project. Any pictures so far?

JackOfAllTrades · « **Reply #22 on:** June 05, 2009, 11:16:40 AM »

Quote

the raft is almost done, a few pinholes to find in the seams

Photos?

-Steve

uncoolperson · « **Reply #23 on:** June 05, 2009, 12:37:38 PM »

http://www.flickr.com/photos/uncoolperson/sets/72157619062753602/

pictures... it ain't pretty, ain't gonna be, not even sure if it's going to work.

the design should've been solid but my arts and crafts skills are lacking.

uncoolperson · « **Reply #24 on:** June 05, 2009, 12:39:27 PM »

Quote from: hawksfan75 on June 05, 2009, 11:10:29 AM

If you want to stress test it, let me know

This sounds like a fun little project. Any pictures so far?

you bring the beer, this couldn't possibly go bad.

Da stump · « **Reply #25 on:** June 05, 2009, 01:39:01 PM »

One thing for sure is that if you pay for one of those raftts your wallet will be much lighter and will offset any additional weight with the raft.

JackOfAllTrades · « **Reply #26 on:** June 05, 2009, 02:13:57 PM »

Almost time to test in lake Padden.

-S

uncoolperson · « **Reply #27 on:** June 05, 2009, 02:41:30 PM »

that's the plan, lots of people around to save me when it/me sinks.

(nice avatar, jack)

ICEMAN · « **Reply #28 on:** June 05, 2009, 06:21:26 PM »

toocoolperson, impressive project, nice pics. Gotta love the home made gear...

uncoolperson · « **Reply #29 on:** June 09, 2009, 08:12:54 PM »

Well, I think I'm going to give up for the summer. Time to start fishing and stop playing with my project. Perhaps wait until winter (after deer, pheasant, and duck season of course)

Lessons learned
Alpca, well worth it... costs lots (to me anyway) but an at home build costs some too.

I'm in easy 40+ hours (design/build/fix)
materials were $100, add 40 for aquaseal
$40 R&D materials, 6-pack of beer for R&D
4x take out dinner
additional 4 6packs of beer

add another my guess easy $100 materials and 20 hours build time plus $50-$100 hardware for the next build.

Lessons learned, think through and maybe non permanent mock up the build prior to building... make sure my methods will work.
This proved a problem working out the seal that turns all the flat pieces into tubes, I connected everything together hoping to fold then seal up.... that didn't work had to make those seals in tension rather than shear (I was warned about the seal style, but i was stuck). [see attached image]

Work out a better idea than a piece of wood and a clothing iron, didn't seal the pieces together nicely, fought with that for way too long.

Figure out supply of aquaseal and the fancy accelerator, sure the company's headquarters are in my town.... but they're closed on weekends.
Also, get more brushes, nothing gets it off the one brush in the package.

Skyvalhunter · « **Reply #30 on:** March 16, 2010, 06:20:00 AM »

Heres a new company but after talking with Brian he doesnt like the design. Still a little cheaper.
http://flyweightdesigns.com/default.aspx

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Author Topic: making my own packable raft (Read 15068 times)

sisu

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