totally!  you might not even need to move the tube and the dinghy itself just inverts it.

Any tremolino sailors out there have some thoughts on the sling type seats?  Do they blow around>  I put some hard bulkheads at the front and back of the windward bench to try and tame that.  Other thoughts?

PVC coated polyester like that used in inflatable boats would seem to be an ideal choice for these seats.

Waterproof, strong, fairly cheap, and just enough weight so it won’t flap around until the wind really picks up. “endcaps” of the same material would add some inherent shape-holding and add further spray protection. Curved battens would be required to keep it from flapping at all; these could be inserted only when needed, ie high winds and the seat is not being used. They wouldn’t need batten pockets, just popped into place.

Adam - 10 February 2013 12:09 PM

PVC coated polyester like that used in inflatable boats would seem to be an ideal choice for these seats.

Waterproof, strong, fairly cheap, and just enough weight so it won’t flap around until the wind really picks up. “endcaps” of the same material would add some inherent shape-holding and add further spray protection. Curved battens would be required to keep it from flapping at all; these could be inserted only when needed, ie high winds and the seat is not being used. They wouldn’t need batten pockets, just popped into place.

Here’s a possible idea to add function (if you like Sup) and that is to use the inflatable sup boards as seating.  The drop stitch tech and high PSI make it incredibly strong.  Additionally you might be able to use a pair as a seat and a seatback + safety ama.  I remember sitting on a bench in a ski shop made out of a couple snowboards—this kinda remends me of that.  Comfy and multi purpose!  Spendy though.

Dan

dstgean - 17 February 2013 12:23 PM

Here’s a possible idea to add function (if you like Sup) and that is to use the inflatable sup boards as seating.  The drop stitch tech and high PSI make it incredibly strong.  Additionally you might be able to use a pair as a seat and a seatback + safety ama.  I remember sitting on a bench in a ski shop made out of a couple snowboards—this kinda remends me of that.  Comfy and multi purpose!  Spendy though.

Dan

Hard for an old man to keep up with the new tech, will need to do a little research. Drop stitch: high PSI may well be the ticket to a truly portable high performance proa. Don’t have much of an opinion of Sup’s except one finished the Texas Water Safari last year which is a real testament to the paddler.

cheers,
Skip

Luomanen: Your renderings of all your proa-ideas make me drool….
If I only wanted a nice beach-proa or similar, i would make a drawing out of one of your renderings and build it. You have a natural talent for proportions and beautiful proas!!!

Cheers
Johannes

Thanks a lot, Johannes.  I’m honored that people are digging what I would be doing anyway, and not sharing with fellow proa nerds.  Boats are about emotion, and as such, how they look matters a lot!  Also, I do design stuff for a living, so I’d better be drawing pretty ones!

But other things matter too.  Proper structural engineering, hydrostatic analysis, sail design, foils, rigging—that’s the stuff that separates a sweet sailing boat from a not so sweet one.  I’ve got a long way to go to figure that stuff out.

I admire your build a model and see process.  That’s a great way to get to a lot of answers with a minimum investment.  Express, test, analyze and repeat!

best,
chris

dstgean - 17 February 2013 12:23 PM

Here’s a possible idea to add function (if you like Sup) and that is to use the inflatable sup boards as seating.

Dan

Sup ?

SUP = Stand Up Paddle(board) 😊

Holly cow—inflatable SUPs cost between $700 and $1200!

My little pod/dinghy is looking positively cheap!