• Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago

    Beautiful work, Mike!

  • Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 9 years ago

    Several people have had trouble finding a suitable field repair tape, so I added my favourite one to the DIY Packraft shop. It’s similar to Tyvek tape, but it’s a different brand. You can learn more about it here πŸ™‚

  • Matt (Admin) replied to the topic some questions in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago

    The seam fabric will not form a strong bond with the non-TPU side of the floor fabric, so I recommend heating the area with your iron again so you can pull it apart there.

  • Matt (Admin) replied to the topic some questions in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago

    Hi @hiroshi, that is a common mistake – if you heat the fabric with your iron again, I think you will be able to separate the fabric.

  • Matt (Admin) started the topic Tips & Tricks in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago

    Please post any tips and tricks you have developed during construction of your DIY Packraft! I frequently update the How-To pages based on your feedback, so you’ll be doing everyone a favor, and I always try to give credit where credit is due.

    Note: If you wish to reply to a specific comment below, please click the grey β€œReply” link above the spe…[Read more]

  • Matt (Admin) replied to the topic some questions in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago

    Great – I’m glad the package arrived in Japan without a long delay.

    I have now enabled the ability to upload images in forum posts (click the mountain icon above the text box when typing a forum topic or reply).

    Thanks

  • Sorry, there’s not much I can do about the parcel postage rates, and I don’t think it could be sent in a letter. I guess another option would be to buy a beach ball and cut the valve out… I’m not sure how good of a valve you could get that way, but it might be worth a try. I couldn’t find similar valves for sale anywhere, which is why I decided…[Read more]

  • Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Seamgrip vs Aquaseal in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago

    Welcome to the forum, @maynard!

    I recommend both, each for different applications.

    Aquaseal is best for installing valves, making permanent repairs, and gluing fabric together in places that can’t be heat-sealed. (Aquaseal cures with exposure to air, so when gluing two things together, apply Aquaseal to both surfaces and let them sit for at…[Read more]

  • Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Seamgrip vs Aquaseal in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago

    Welcome to the forum, @maynard!

    Aquaseal is best for installing valves, making permanent repairs, and gluing fabric together in places that can’t be heat-sealed. (Aquaseal cures with exposure to air, so when gluing two things together, apply Aquaseal to both surfaces and let them sit for at least 30 minutes before pressing them together,…[Read more]

  • Maynard started the topic Seamgrip vs Aquaseal in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 years ago

    What do you recommend for the construction of the boats? What’s the difference between the two?
    Thanks.
    Cheers!

  • Maynard became a registered member 9 years ago

  • Hi Hiroshi, thanks for your order! It should take approximately ten business days to arrive. You will be the first in Japan πŸ™‚

    My Clover Mini Iron II is made for North America’s 120 V, 60 Hz power supply. Clover has a Japanese website, where you may be able to find more information, or at least contact information for someone who can answer your…[Read more]

  • I’ve just uploaded some pictures of the new spray deck to the blog – check the rest out here. πŸ™‚

    DIY Packraft Spray Deck

  • Here are a few pictures of the new spray deck! It’s made from 210D heat sealable fabric and a lightweight, collapsible aluminum tent pole.

    The total weight of the packraft, including the inflatable floor and […]

    • Hi Matt! Great – now I’m looking forward to your experiences in WW – just to know if it resists some WW or if it starts leaking after 2-4 runs….

    • hey Matt nice work, did U made this on the base of the youtube raft? Helps that you have installed a zipper? I think about to intall one on my first black raft. Was it easier with the reachable innertubesection, or its not nesesary? I would prefer a removable cruiserspraydeck, not interest to go whitewater with selfmade. Looking forward of video instruction for the spraydeck installation. Lighter fabric reached me, next project can start. πŸ™‚

      greetings from berlin
      marco

      • Hi Marco,

        Yes, I added the spray deck and inflatable floor to the packraft I made in the Youtube videos after it was finished. The airtight zipper is not necessary for retrofitting either the inflatable floor or the spray deck – I installed both entirely from the outside – but it is still a very nice feature for storing gear inside the tubes and for accessing the inside of the tubes to make repairs.

        I will add a removable cruiser spray deck to my list of things to do!

        I’m glad your new fabric arrived, and I look forward to seeing your ultralight packraft πŸ™‚

        Cheers,

        Matt

    • Hey, Matt,
      Should I purchase the kit and try to make the boat by myself…?
      Or I want to visit Canada and learn some skills or know-how from you…
      Which is better…?

      • Hi Maradona! I demonstrate all of my skills and know-how in my videos and web pages, but Canada has some beautiful places for packrafting (follow @benbrochu on instagram for pictures!), so I think a trip to Canada would be better spent in the wilderness than in my basement πŸ˜‰

    • Yes, a removable cruiser spray deck would be awesome!

    • second on plans

  • @lynsg Thanks for your input and for prompting this discussion – at your suggestion, I have deleted the other thread to avoid confusion.

  • @lynsg Thanks for your input and for prompting this discussion – at your suggestion, I have deleted the other thread to avoid confusion.

  • Hi @hiroshi, the floor and seams can be either black or the same colour as the tubes – it is your choice. The product page tells you how to indicate which style you prefer.

    I recommend a Large packraft for your stature.

    The kit does not include a printed manual, as all of the instructions are on the How-To web pages, including pictures and…[Read more]

  • Matt (Admin) replied to the topic in the forum Lyn St George 9 years, 1 month ago

    @lynsg Hi Lyn, I moved my reply from this topic to be its own topic so the colour chart will stay at the top of the page. Thanks for starting the conversation πŸ™‚

    Here is the new topic: https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/split-diy-packraft-fabrics/

  • Hi @Hiroshi,

    Thanks for your interest in a DIY Packraft. The side tube diameter is 27.5 cm (11″) and the safe load capacity is over 150 kg (300 lbs) – the actual volume is over 300 litres (i.e. over 300 kg buoyancy).

    Whitewater packrafting is possible with the single layer floor, but I recommend the double layer floor for added durability if…[Read more]

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