making my own packable raft

[Alpine Mojo]

Yes.

[sisu]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

If you want to stress test it, let me know 

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

[JackOfAllTrades]

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

Photos?

-Steve

[uncoolperson]

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]

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]

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]

Almost time to test in lake Padden.

-S

[uncoolperson]

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


(nice avatar, jack)

[ICEMAN]

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

[uncoolperson]

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.