Inflatable collar for survival Dinghy

[Unionjack]

For years now I have searched to bridge the compromise for a need for a survival dinghy and at the same time have a pretty wooden boat. I have decided to try and install an inflatable collar on my 9' "Nutshell. (like a "Walker Bay") Have had no luck at all in finding resources to help me progress? Suggestions please

[Kay9]

First I have heard of it. But it might just be a GREAt idea if you can get it to work. You might also consider and canopy that inflates as well. You might just be onto a great idea here.

K9

[rasorinc]

Henshaw ribs in England make the most in the world. Howere the pound is very strong and they add a 15% VAT. Try Wing Inflatables in Eureka, Calif.
they do a lot of re-tubing. Good luck, stan

[Unionjack]

Thanks I'll try Wings in CA

[rasorinc]

another thought. I am making some ridged tubes out of styrofoam billets
and wrapping them in a 22 oz. fabric that can be attached to the outside hull with a number of fasteners including threaded inserts. I've been working on this for awhile to sell to owners of small, light craft that like to venture out where they should not be and need proven buoyancy. billets float 55 lbs. per C ft. and cannot become saturated. Also they can be bought in any size.
Stan

[timgoz]

There are some fellows in Ohiopyle, PA (USA) who make custom whitewater rafts. An inflatable dinghy collar would be well within thier abilities & I would think they would be reasonably priced. Wilderness Voyagers (1-800-272-4141) would most likely know how to contact them.

Tim

[Unionjack]

Thanks Stan, good input. The major problem in a 38' cruising boat, is stowage would be a problem, but if the coast of the inflatable option is to great I may revert. Regards Unionjack

Originally Posted by rasorinc

another thought. I am making some ridged tubes out of styrofoam billets
and wrapping them in a 22 oz. fabric that can be attached to the outside hull with a number of fasteners including threaded inserts. I've been working on this for awhile to sell to owners of small, light craft that like to venture out where they should not be and need proven buoyancy. billets float 55 lbs. per C ft. and cannot become saturated. Also they can be bought in any size.
Stan

[rasorinc]

Hi, should tell you by tubes I mean retangles that hug the sides either inside or exterior of your hull. you may only need 3" wide product. Air tubes are large and not puncture proof and need UV protection. Also you need to make several chambers which adds greatly to cost. I have weighed the pluses and negatives many time over and find air tubes on the negative side for many reasons. stan

[FAST FRED]

We solved the problem by stowing the fenders under the seats of our Grumman Aluminum dink.

Tested it keeps the dink up enough to enter easily and stay far enough up to bail , till dry.

As we cruised offshore, survival suits were onboard , so swimming skills and cold water death were less of a risk.

I think it is unreasonable to expect a patch on collar to keep a dink dry .

But with a good sailing dink Self Rescue would seem doable.

FF

[Unionjack]

Fred and Stan, Many thanks for the input. I have experimented with the Walker Bay dinghy that has a patch on collar. I works very well indeed. As you say cost may be a major issue, We will see. Regards Unionjack

[Steve W]

Good morning from a new member,i have thought about this subject in the past and have a couple of inexpensive suggestions.
1/ buy a length of 4" vinyl discharge hose,this is the stuff that lays flat and can be bought at places like Home Depot,cut it to length and fold over the ends and glue them closed,(you will need to install a valve stem first) attatch it to the boat with straps around the tube,this will give about 100 lbs of floatation.
2/if you need more floatation buy some 18oz vinyl truck tarp material,you can buy this from any canvas shop that makes awnings etc,buy some adhesive from the same place,HH66 is the product i have used,now just make up a tube in any diameter you want with a simple overlap seam,i have made up airbags this way that can take 100psi,these required massive steel clamps to close the end,but you should be able to just glue the ends shut as you will only be using about 3 to 5 psi,glue on mounting tab of the same material,should have good uv resistance as they use this fabric for tarps and awnings,should be a fun and inexpensive project.
Steve.

[denny grover]

Saw a hard dink that had a collar made from an inflatable Kayak's tubes that worked well according to the owner. Inflatable Kayaks seem to be at most swapmeets cheap.

[Unionjack]

Steve & Denny, Many thanks, good input. Now if the weather improves here I shall get to testing the ideas received. Unionjack