TPU inflatable with Outboard Jet for Alaska rivers

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by AKJET, Oct 27, 2024.

  1. AKJET
    Joined: Oct 2024
    Posts: 1
    Likes: 0, Points: 1
    Location: Anchorage AK

    AKJET New Member

    Seeking guidance on building my own inflatable raft with 50/35 outboard motor with a jet on it. New hunting plans have my family wanting to go up and down the Yukon which has many shallow fingers and weaves.

    Thinking 840D Dual sided TPU coated nylon. Rigid or soft hull? Preferably tunneled to maximize Jet while keeping shallow water capabilities.

    I like to make things myself which is what brought me to inflatables for this desire.
    going to start with a packraft, then this guy, hopefully in the next 6 months.

    Thinking something similar or better and/or simpler than the solar, Stryker, pro jet inflatable models

    seeking drawings, ideas, etc etc.

    thank you for your time
     
  2. comfisherman
    Joined: Apr 2009
    Posts: 973
    Likes: 514, Points: 93, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Alaska

    comfisherman Senior Member

    Guess what's your definition of better/simpler? What features beat out say a solar or pro jet?
     
  3. portacruise
    Joined: Jun 2009
    Posts: 1,613
    Likes: 216, Points: 63, Legacy Rep: 218
    Location: USA

    portacruise Senior Member

    Here's a link to DIY pack rafts, if you don't have it already;

    DIY Packraft – The homemade packraft how-to site & shop https://www.diypackraft.com/

    It should give you an idea of what is involved in the process, and it should be fairly easy to do, with all of the detailed instructions plus I think the kit has all of the pieces already pre-cut. Not sure what's involved with a project for a larger boat that can handle 50 horsepower, seems like it would be quite a challenge to design something new from scratch, and for a much larger and more rugged boat. Something rigid might require the use of drop stitch material which may be hard to get in small quantities and that material may be harder to work with. I like soft hulls better, as they presumably don't jolt the passengers as much with hard collisions. Also, if penetrated, the air under low pressure leaks out more slowly, possibly allowing for a quick limp to shore, where a temporary tape repair patch might work.
     
  4. Squidly-Diddly
    Joined: Sep 2007
    Posts: 2,012
    Likes: 187, Points: 63, Legacy Rep: 304
    Location: SF bay

    Squidly-Diddly Senior Member

    finally some instructions and video of how to make an inflatable
    Step 3: Join Completed Tubes to Floor – DIY Packraft https://www.diypackraft.com/construction/how-to/v2/step-3-join-completed-tubes-to-floor/

    I gotta say the shapes of the flat fabric are different than I'd first thought
     
  5. BlueBell
    Joined: May 2017
    Posts: 3,271
    Likes: 1,233, Points: 113
    Location: Victoria BC Canada

    BlueBell . . . _ _ _ . . . _ _ _

    Rigid.
     

  • Loading...
    Similar Threads
    1. floating
      Replies:
      7
      Views:
      4,334
    2. pistnbroke
      Replies:
      7
      Views:
      472
    3. mistyreiny
      Replies:
      19
      Views:
      2,804
    4. Azrie
      Replies:
      3
      Views:
      3,686
    5. Squidly-Diddly
      Replies:
      44
      Views:
      10,554
    6. Squidly-Diddly
      Replies:
      1
      Views:
      2,008
    7. Stigla
      Replies:
      17
      Views:
      4,252
    8. Squidly-Diddly
      Replies:
      1
      Views:
      2,777
    9. JINLEE
      Replies:
      1
      Views:
      2,109
    10. engineer137
      Replies:
      24
      Views:
      8,959
    Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
    When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.