making a raft from old hot tub

[jheyw32]

I know this sounds a bit crazy but, I'm contemplating turning the fiberglass from a hut tub into a raft to float down a shallow slow moving river. Concerns are of course will it float, and stabilility of the raft. Any ideas, would be greatly appreciated thank you...

[nero]

You could probably make this happen. Is this hot tube a plastic one with square sides and foam showing on the bottom?

If it is then get some epoxy resin and hardner. Turn the tub up so that the foam is on top. Plug the holes with spray foam (ridgid kind). Let it rise and cut it flush. Bond a piece of plywood to the bottom. Let the edges of the plywood hang over the sides of the tub. Once it is cured, run a router with a bottom bearing straight bit around the tub to flush up the sides. Run a round over bit around the edge to ease it. Sand the plywood tub joint area with 100 grit. Then lay dry fiberglass over the plywood. Wet it out with epoxy. When the epoxy is tacky, pour on more epoxy and fan it with a heat gun.

The next day turn right side up and epoxy glass the holes on the inside. Sand them fair so they do not cut anybody.

Add beer, wine, and rhum ... and a couple of blonds!

If it floats to high add some more women. ... Of course you get too many of them it will be more fun to stay on the shore with the booze and let them float away. smile

[jheyw32]

thanks for the info ill be sure to add plenty of booze and women...

[Bergalia]

Originally Posted by jheyw32

... ill be sure to add plenty of booze and women...

If you're adding plenty of booze and women...why not stay in the tub at home....

[rayk]

You may not intend to use an out board for propulsion, but I recommend laminating up an edge of the hot tub to take an outboard. As you grow more confident floating in your craft, you will be able to extend your range with power.
The outboard can be reversed and put inside the full tub for flushing after use. Jump in too, and have a vigorous bubblejet soak.
Be careful of the thrashing propellor.
Just remember, if the water goes pink, you didnt think.

I am joking. Please dont put the outboard in the tub and get in. If you have any doubts about your project, visit this site.