where to learn inflatable boat construction?

[Steve W]

Does anyone know of anywhere that one can learn inflatable boat construction methods. Im sure its not rocket science and I could figure it out myself but a better way would be to pay to attend a multi day workshop where you can gain some hands on experience and learn about materials, adhesives and most importantly sources of materials. Any info appreciated.

Steve.

 

[Ike]

see this thread http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/boat-building/inflatable-boat-construction-12103.html

 

[Steve W]

see this thread http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/boat-building/inflatable-boat-construction-12103.html

Ike, I have read that thread a while ago but what I am really after is somewhere that does hands on training. A couple of years ago my son and I attended a 3 day workshop with Derek Kellsal where we learned his KSS system as well as resin infusion and I can tell you we learned more in that 3 days than years of perusing and participating in forums on the internet. It was some of the best money ive ever spent which is why I am interested in something similar for inflatable construction.

Steve.

 

[Ike]

I honestly have never heard of a course in that subject. You might want to look at http://www.rib.net/ They also have a forum and someone there might have an answer to your question.

 

[wet-foot]

Google inflatable boat builders in Florida. There are a few shops there that would probably let you spend a few days helping them with tube construction.

 

[Hy Seas Inflatables]

I own a company that has manufactured Neoprene hypalon boat tubes for over 20 years, if your interested I could help you with designing and building your own inflatable boat.

 

[portacruise]

Here is one on kits for small one-man pack in boats, if that's the size you're looking for,

Home - DIY Packraft https://www.diypackraft.com/

May give you an idea what's involved and possibly some practice, plus you'll have a usable product when you're done.

But I haven't seen anything around like that for the heavy duty inflatable boat stuff..

Building an inflatable to your customized specs without an already detailed and tested set of plans might take a while to learn about. I think it would be more challenging than those using regular materials and a purchased set of plans, as compared to inflatable materials.

 

[Will Gilmore]

I looked into this idea to make inflatable matresses for my boat, and found there is actually home build inflatable community online. It takes some digging, but its out there.
https://f-ribsandsibs.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=20
Home - DIY Packraft https://www.diypackraft.com/

-Will

 

[montero]

PU is interesting fabric. I have some dry bag that is probably made probably made of it. Soft and durable fabric .I will make some lift bags and custom life vests. PU supplier needed.

 

[montero]

I have a situation now. I brought a folding inflatable 200+ km to sail out. During the pumping port cone section take a long time.
Mice ate 2 holes 1" by 1.2" both. One of them is realy bad because borders on the welded handle of something.
O.K. **** happens. I'll fix it some other time...
But of course I started repairing the watch with a hammer :
The only open shop had super glue and cheap dry bags. At the gas station they had brake cleaner and tube patches glue.
I did 3 test glue after washing contact surfaces by the brake cleaner:
1 tube glue
2 tube glue with a drop of super glue
3 super glue

 

[montero]

Tube glue does not work on PVC, the mixture was granulated, but pure superglue showed so strong binding that it pulled PVC from polyester reinforcement.
So using the tweezers, I put inside rolled piece of PVC about 4 " diameter , checking that smooth side ( donor dry bag have one side grooved) is facing glueing .
Most tricky part was center positioning of the patch/hole . After that I used a bit of brake cleaner , let it dry , and I put the superglue abundantly around the hole inside the tube , and I push fast by some shopping bag . There was risk that I will glue other parts of inner tube surface , but nothing wrong happend .
I left it for the night lightly pressurized .
We made 10 nm one way , first the fuel line caught the air due unscrewed tank connector, after lunch recoil starter springs died , and for the first time I used a rope starter . We returned through the lock keeping engine running . Beaufort 4 .