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03-22-2008, 02:59 PM | #31 |
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Join Date: May 2006
Location: Sebastian, FL
Age: 46
Posts: 168
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Re: DIY inflatable float
I think I'll stick with the plastic bladder idea just because it's easier to deflate than removing a valve stem.
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03-23-2008, 05:00 PM | #32 |
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Location: Montreal
Posts: 871
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Re: DIY inflatable float
I'm thinking of using Hypalon and a zodiac valve. Have you considered that avenue?
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03-23-2008, 10:35 PM | #33 |
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Join Date: May 2007
Location: Cody,Wy
Age: 53
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Re: DIY inflatable float
calla969 I take one off your hands.
They look great. Have you done any testing in the water on it to see how much weight it well hold up. Ill buy one from you and do some testing on it. It really looks like a cool project.Can't wait to here to here and see more on its progress. Carson |
03-23-2008, 11:33 PM | #34 |
Team Jetty Jumper!
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx
Age: 47
Posts: 1,484
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Re: DIY inflatable float
How about posting sources for the COrdura, zippers and some sizes? I'd love to try making my own. I'm using a freaking stryofoam balls and boat fenders!
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03-24-2008, 04:39 AM | #35 |
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Join Date: May 2006
Location: Sebastian, FL
Age: 46
Posts: 168
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Re: DIY inflatable float
I did think about making a float out of hypalon. I think the float would be very durable and it would actually be easier to build since you would glue it instead of sewing and you would not need a bladder, but it will be a little more expensive. The hypalon costs more than double what the nylon costs (the bladder costs almost nothing, and the glue is very expensive. It wouldn't be insanely expensive, but it was too much money for me to experiment with right now. I am going to post some measurements when I get home form work today. Here are some links to materials. The NRS website has valves, material, glue, and some other interesting odds and ends. The AAH website is where I ordered the nylon, d-rings, thread, zipper and webbing. Both sites sell hypalon. The U-stick valves will be the ones on my next float. If you do a search on "inflatable kite repair" you can find instructions on welding plastic film.
http://www.ahh.biz/index.htm http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product_list.asp?deptid=1802 http://www.airtimekite.com/valve_page_1.html |
03-24-2008, 07:04 AM | #36 |
Team Jetty Jumper!
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Re: DIY inflatable float
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.a...75&deptid=1760
JUst find a way to attach the tube to the float and put this on the end. looks like a good bladder here. http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.a...81&deptid=1760
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03-24-2008, 10:04 AM | #37 |
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Montreal
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Re: DIY inflatable float
Thanks Calla, obviously using some 6 mil vapor barrier would be cheaper.
I've used the hypalon glue on my inflatable and I have to say that the Hypalon would be almost indestructible. I also wonder about the price. Fortunately I've got a high end inflatable manufacturer next door (Air Solid). The last time the owner simply gave us the glue and some hypalon to fix our transom. With his council we were able to make that transom almost indestructible
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03-24-2008, 03:55 PM | #38 |
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Join Date: May 2006
Location: Sebastian, FL
Age: 46
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Re: DIY inflatable float
If anyone wants a basic drawing of the pattern with measurements and some rough instructions for the nylon shell, contact me by PM. I will make a how-to when I make the next one, but this may help those interested until then. Thanks for the comments and compliments.
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03-26-2008, 08:55 PM | #39 |
J valve
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Re: DIY inflatable float
damn dude that thing is awesome, good fab. skills man!
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03-26-2008, 10:29 PM | #40 |
snorklin'
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Posts: 2,828
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Re: DIY inflatable float
Any water tests? How is it holding up, still keeping the pressure?
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03-27-2008, 04:06 PM | #41 |
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Join Date: May 2006
Location: Sebastian, FL
Age: 46
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Re: DIY inflatable float
No water tests yet. The freaking wind won't let up and I've been busy with school. The current bladder holds air at a decent pressure overnight and then starts getting pretty soft. I checked the inflated pressure at about 5 PSI which is less than I thought but more than enough. I just got my hands on some polyurethane film and have a manufacturer sending me some sample material, which should make a perfect, leak free, and durable bladder. I am still doing research in preparation for the next one, but I am getting close. When I build the next one, I am going to let another SB member test this one for me.
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03-27-2008, 09:47 PM | #42 |
Dreaming of BFT
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 3,248
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Re: DIY inflatable float
Excellent work and insight.
Please keep us posted. I have always wanted to attempt this type of project.
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03-27-2008, 09:52 PM | #43 |
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: tampa bay/RI
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Re: DIY inflatable float
calla,
that's one of the nicest DIY self items ive ever seen. nice job |
03-29-2008, 02:54 AM | #44 |
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Join Date: May 2007
Location: Cody,Wy
Age: 53
Posts: 373
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Re: DIY inflatable float
Any more progress on the float.
Carson |
03-31-2008, 12:19 PM | #45 |
#2
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,743
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Re: DIY inflatable float
Calla thanks for the help! I can't wait to try this myself!!!
I probably will have some questions though when it comes dwn to it |
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