where to learn inflatable boat construction?

Does anyone know of anywhere that one can learn inflatable boat construction methods. Im sure its not rocket science and I could figure it out myself but a better way would be to pay to attend a multi day workshop where you can gain some hands on experience and learn about materials, adhesives and most importantly sources of materials. Any info appreciated.

Steve.

 

see this thread http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/boat-building/inflatable-boat-construction-12103.html

 

Ike, I have read that thread a while ago but what I am really after is somewhere that does hands on training. A couple of years ago my son and I attended a 3 day workshop with Derek Kellsal where we learned his KSS system as well as resin infusion and I can tell you we learned more in that 3 days than years of perusing and participating in forums on the internet. It was some of the best money ive ever spent which is why I am interested in something similar for inflatable construction.

Steve.

 

I honestly have never heard of a course in that subject. You might want to look at http://www.rib.net/ They also have a forum and someone there might have an answer to your question.

 

Google inflatable boat builders in Florida. There are a few shops there that would probably let you spend a few days helping them with tube construction.

 

I own a company that has manufactured Neoprene hypalon boat tubes for over 20 years, if your interested I could help you with designing and building your own inflatable boat.

 

Here is one on kits for small one-man pack in boats, if that's the size you're looking for,

Home - DIY Packraft https://www.diypackraft.com/

May give you an idea what's involved and possibly some practice, plus you'll have a usable product when you're done.

But I haven't seen anything around like that for the heavy duty inflatable boat stuff..

Building an inflatable to your customized specs without an already detailed and tested set of plans might take a while to learn about. I think it would be more challenging than those using regular materials and a purchased set of plans, as compared to inflatable materials.

 

I looked into this idea to make inflatable matresses for my boat, and found there is actually home build inflatable community online. It takes some digging, but its out there.
https://f-ribsandsibs.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=20
Home - DIY Packraft https://www.diypackraft.com/

-Will

 

PU is interesting fabric. I have some dry bag that is probably made probably made of it. Soft and durable fabric .I will make some lift bags and custom life vests. PU supplier needed.

 

I have a situation now. I brought a folding inflatable 200+ km to sail out. During the pumping port cone section take a long time.
Mice ate 2 holes 1" by 1.2" both. One of them is realy bad because borders on the welded handle of something.
O.K. **** happens. I'll fix it some other time...
But of course I started repairing the watch with a hammer :
The only open shop had super glue and cheap dry bags. At the gas station they had brake cleaner and tube patches glue.
I did 3 test glue after washing contact surfaces by the brake cleaner:
1 tube glue
2 tube glue with a drop of super glue
3 super glue

 

Tube glue does not work on PVC, the mixture was granulated, but pure superglue showed so strong binding that it pulled PVC from polyester reinforcement.
So using the tweezers, I put inside rolled piece of PVC about 4 " diameter , checking that smooth side ( donor dry bag have one side grooved) is facing glueing .
Most tricky part was center positioning of the patch/hole . After that I used a bit of brake cleaner , let it dry , and I put the superglue abundantly around the hole inside the tube , and I push fast by some shopping bag . There was risk that I will glue other parts of inner tube surface , but nothing wrong happend .
I left it for the night lightly pressurized .
We made 10 nm one way , first the fuel line caught the air due unscrewed tank connector, after lunch recoil starter springs died , and for the first time I used a rope starter . We returned through the lock keeping engine running . Beaufort 4 .