Nuts and Bolts of an Inflatable Proa
Thanks for the comments and links everyone. These are really great for inspiration and I had not seen a lot of those! An inflatable proa even!
I wonder how Crazy Russian’s bows hold their tall narrow shape? I plan on using a rigid structure above the inflatable for the bow.
Tink, the stuff I’m using is PVC coated polyester, usually used for truck tarps. 17 sq meters was $120. The weight might be too lite like you mentioned most are twice that, or maybe I’ll get away with it since I’m not asking the boat to provide any structural strength.
I like this rendering! Any foils? A leeboard?
cool,
chris
Yes I think it will need a foil for sure. I was thinking a leeboard was in order but attaching it windward of the ama.
The rudder is probably going to be a rudder/oar hybrid sort of like what is used on Equilibre.
I have now found similar to you at a tenth of the price of proper inflatable material, it is also is 2 meters wide so get the vaka and ama from one width. I think the lighter would be fine as you can add localised reinforcement and still be miles away the cost of inflatable material.
TINK
Here is a clip of a 45 day inflatable catamaran adventure in Scandinavia. The guy is using a Ukrainian inflatable. What a testament to their durability.
I am seriously considering making an inflatable. I have several other boats to build before then and I already have some pvc polyester skin (used on a skin on frame outrigger)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lalAhcOdTaQ&list=FLoY0UTTE-VGiEonpNhY2CgQ&index=30
Lenny
Get on with it!
Prove it works…..
And then someone builds that beautiful te pookie!!!!!!
I can’t help wondering how Michael’s ingenious ‘Spinnaclaw’ would perform on a craft like this? Or on a bigger one, for that matter.
There is a article on smalltrimarans that shows a all inflatable trimaran that packs into a backpack. It does not use a rigid frame which is something I never considered! That would cut down on weight immensely and make it more portable!
http://smalltrimarans.com/blog/?p=9722#more-9722
Hopefully someone gets motivated to make one and offer plans. I think it is too much for me to do without plans :(
It turns out I will not be the second to build an inflatable proa. My skill set was not great enough from reading about working with PVC. I think it would take a class or something. The pieces weren’t able to stick to each other well enough, every time. For all I know it it could have been the materials I was working with. I’ve gotten to be decent at sail-making though. I’ll have to take that skill as my prize for now.
Try double-sided carpet tape?
Came across this about home made buoyancy bags, might be useful
Tink