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I received an assortment of adapters with a new Flextail pump I got through Aliexpress. I took apart another boston valve and just attached it so I can screw this in to my raft when it’s time to inflate. Need to be a bit fast when it’s done to swap out the valve insert, but it allows for no hands inflation.
I finished up my Skeena build much more quickly than the Atlin. Probably about 20 hours or so. Second time through was much easier. I went for a simple, small boat this time and omitted the TZip. I really like the color!
I figured having a second boat would be helpful if I wanted to bring a friend with. Also I joked with some canoe friends of mine that if the Atlin had an issue, I could just bring a backup boat!
It had a micro hole along the final seam that I ended up using the glue tube through the Boston valve method to fix. It worked fine. I was able to do nearly all of the seam sealing except the final seam with the inside out method.
The only other issue I encountered with this was that iron, the Aliexpress leather iron model has started to lose it’s three screws. I made it through the build but I don’t know how long it’s going to last. I tried put them back in but it seems they are just too small to get a sufficient grip with the threads.
I use the Flextailgear inflator so I made a drybag out of the cloth for the inflation bag instead. I was able to take apart another Boston value so I can just screw the Flextail inflator right into the valve so I don’t have to hold it as it inflates.
Next project is figuring out a way to attach this stuff to a bike!
Thanks for making the kits Matt!
Here is my Atlin build. I was able to finish it in about two weeks working at about the 40 hours total time. I got it in the longest length possible even though I would fit in the smallest, figuring it might have a bit of a tracking and speed advantage with the longer length. Selected black just before the green and orange came up as options. Have taken it out on flatwater and a class 1 river here in Wisconsin before the winter arrives. Really happy with the kit and the build!
I am thinking about getting another as it was a lot of fun to build and I could see having a second available for a paddling companion. Maybe not the Atlin again to have a bit of choices for different missions.
Challenges with black is it’s tough to see the underlying fabric edge when joining to the bottom fabric especially. Need to feel it a bit more. I got it together and haven’t found any leaks yet which surprised me that it held air well first try! I did have an issue on matching the front seam lengths on the left side. Ended up shortening the wrong edge and gave it a bit of a dinosaur head shape. Cosmetic only.
Thanks for making these kits!
