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Bruce replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago
I recommend everyone reinforce their Clover Iron before first use! I loved Chris Christy’s solution, above, but couldn’t find a 1/2″x 13 “Tee” nut. I bought some aluminum round stock to toss onto the lathe to make a supply for our classes, but after thinking about how much work was involved, I “discovered” 4 inches of thin steel wire proved to be…[Read more]
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Patrick Dewane became a registered member 9 years ago
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago
I just got this cool shot from Jeremy and Melissa in Alaska showing their first two DIY Packrafts on their maiden voyage!

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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Help & Questions re: DIY Packraft Construction in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago
Yes, that could work for the V2 plans if you extend the tube pieces slightly (so the ends overlap enough to bond them together).
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Stefan Höök replied to the topic Scandinavian/nordic builders in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago
Would not say that the textile was the easiest fabric to work with, but doable. I recommend other fabric supplier if you have another choice of supplier. Have not tested Matt’s fabric so cant say much about it more than what others have written/said.
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keopgaard replied to the topic Scandinavian/nordic builders in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago
Hi guys, living in the northen part of Norway. Placed order with Matt couple of days ago and waiting to start with the packraft in near future. Stefan..did you got the fabric from textilextreme, how was it to bond??
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joe became a registered member 9 years ago
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keopgaard replied to the topic Help & Questions re: DIY Packraft Construction in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago
I was thinking of bonding all tubes together on left or right side first, before bonding anything to the floor. In that way I could let the bau or the stern be left open for bonding as last thing to do, and then starting to bond both tube side on left or right to the floor, working one side complete finished before bonding the other side, ending…[Read more]
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic What is everyone doing for cargofly inner gear bags? in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago
I’ve been using lightweight drybags like you’re thinking of using, though I haven’t bothered adding tiedowns or clips for them, as I don’t paddle any crazy whitewater (yet…). Cheers!
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIy Kit for sale in Holland/New Zealand. in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago
I have disabled direct messaging between forum members due to a spam issue, so please contact me for Chris’ contact info. Thanks!
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Ultralight DIY Packraft in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago
Hi Bill,
Yep, the ultralight packraft is… ultralight! 😀
The 40D fabric seals at the same temperature as the heavier fabrics, so if you do find a trim sealing iron that is hot enough to seal it, please let us know – so far, I haven’t had any luck.
Cheers!
Matt
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Help & Questions re: DIY Packraft Construction in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago
I’m sorry, I’m not sure what you mean. Can you maybe draw a picture to help explain?
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keopgaard replied to the topic Help & Questions re: DIY Packraft Construction in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago
Hi
I have some questions about making the packraft.1. Will there be an idea to bond all the tubes together first and then let the front or back of the tubes be open?
2. If you work this way, you can start to bond the tubes side by side against the open tube and bonding be more easy ond possible more airtight?? -
keopgaard replied to the topic Alternative to airtight zipper in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago
Yes have seen one yesterday due to demo of my working collegue. There is NO inner valve, the fabric is just stove inside the opening, then closure is with the fabric outside as rolled up and clips`d togehter.
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keopgaard replied to the topic DIy Kit for sale in Holland/New Zealand. in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago
Is this still for sale?
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Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 9 years ago
I’ve been working on a new packraft design for some time now, incorporating several improvements over the current V2 kits, including tougher floor material, easier construction, more sizes, and better […]

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Hey Matt
Sorry to hear you have had people stealing your designs for their own profit, that sucks! I can only imagine how much time and effort it must take to plan and test your designs – the V2 packraft I’ve made from your kit has handled beautifully without any leaks since I first made it. I was hoping to purchase plans or a kit for the 2-person voyager in order to make it in time for training for and competing in Godzone, an adventure race I am doing next year in NZ. When do you think kits for the 2-person will be online?
Thanks for your hard work
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Thanks, Joe – the 2-person kits will be available at the same time as the regular V3 kits. Cheers!
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Hi Todd, I would start by reading the Fabrics, Tools, and Valves sections of the FAQ, above, and maybe check out the Forum as well, as there are some pictures of rafts people have made. Also check out the inflatable catamaran raft at http://www.cubenmaker.com. For seam sealing technique, check out the videos in the How-To sections above. Cheers!
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Great! I hope to have it ready in the next week or two, but I can’t guarantee it.
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Hi Tim – it will be approximately 4 pounds. Cheers!
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Thanks, Brian – that means a lot to me! Best regards
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Hi Mark – I will be designing a V3 version of the Ultralight packraft, but it will be slightly different because it will not use double-sided TPU fabric, so it will take a bit longer.
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bill started the topic Ultralight DIY Packraft in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago
Received my ultralight kit in the mail today.
1. it is really light
2. it is really small
I’ve got a zipper to go with it and picked up an iron today, the big hangar 9 one. Might see how that goes before getting something else. I was thinking the trim iron might work on the 40d fabric, but have no experience with this so we will see.
Is anyone…[Read more]
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bill's profile was updated 9 years ago
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Dave replied to the topic New users say "Hi" here to prove you are not a Spam Bot in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago
Based on the limited information I currently have, I am not a bot. Although my gut bacteria may say otherwise.
Thanks for running this site, Matt.
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Dave became a registered member 9 years ago
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