• unnamedpeaks replied to the topic Help & Questions re: DIY Packraft Construction in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 10 months ago

    Matt,

    Well, you have said that the boat should hold air overnight. I am finding that once I temper up the boat, it loses that nice pressure within about 10 minutes, and overnight sags noticeably.

    I found (or maybe created?) some more spots today by painting it with the soap and then taking it in a hot shower. As the air expanded I saw some additional leaks, and I have now sealed the line where the floor meats the raft at the front of the boat all the way around, maybe the front 1/3 and where the front two joints meet. The aquaseal is drying so I will report back after it tries and I try again.

    p.s. folks get yourself a respirator, they are $15 dollars and are necessary when dealing with this solvent. I can feel the effects of using it without protection and have ordered a mask.

     

    R

    • When you say the boat should hold air overnight, what does this mean? It’s not holding pressure. It’s not deflating into a pile. At this point painting the raft with soap is becoming a daily ritual lol. Just how air tight are people getting their boats? I guess I could blow up my new alpacka as well and leave them both out overnight and see how that compares. I’ll do that today.

      • So, yes the Alpacka holds air..I now have a reference point for how firm a boat will be next day if it’s airtight. I’m at a loss. Cant find any more leaks and not sure what to try next