[Damo]

I’m not really looking at self bailing at the moment. Here in Tasmania the water is always cold, especially in the creeks and rivers that start from the mountains. I’ve just ordered a two piece suit to ensure I stay dry (and therefore warmer).

I have attached an image of a floor I am wanting to build. These are about 150€ each and postage. So for 3 of them delivered is about 500€ (775AUD).  And they are not designed to fit my DIYPackraft, hence why I want to give it a try custom building some. I was thinking the light ripstop material – but it could have too much flex for a floor, so I am also open to trying the 210D fabric the tubes are made out of. I’ll look at Extrimtextil, and see what they have on offer. I have already sourced some TPU valves and bits and pieces, I’m just needing the right fabric.

If you do decide you want to sell some fabric, please let me know. I at least know and trust the quality of your fabric.

[Damo]

So it took about a week to build my Telkwa.  Sure I made a few errors – overheating certain areas – accidentally touching areas of TPU that I shouldn’t have touched.  But I am super happy with how it turned out – only 2 small leaks at completion that were fixed promptly with a touch up using the heating iron.

I would definitely make some changes for my next one, like the position of the TiZip – I would alter that to be at the top of the rear centre seam.  I have already ordered a few extra supplies to attach the spray skirt in place with waterproof zippers so it can be rolled/tucked away.

Taking it for a test paddle next week and I will compare it to my previously purchased Anfibio Rafts.

[Damo]

I assume an extra long TiZip would be very expensive and a heavy duty YKK zip would not be waterproof. Velcro could be an option but it wouldn’t stand up to a wave dumping of water in a class 3+ river.

[Damo]

New user, just waiting on Pre-Orders to become available again.  I already own 2 Anfibio Packrafts and I am interested in making my own for a comparison.  Located in Tasmania, Australia.

[Damo]

I finally found time from work and good weather to take the completed raft for a maiden voyage.  Compared to my Anfibio Delta MX rafts this thing is faster to paddle on the flat water, yes it would benefit from a skeg, so that will happen in the future.  The cockpit feels smaller (widthwise) than the Anfibio, but the side tubes are also bigger and give better floatation, the bow sits out of the water and cuts through with ease.  The Anfibio is symmetrical front to back, so it suffers from not having a leading front design.  The Anfibio is lighter at 1.8kg in stripped format, the Telkwa stripped came in at 2.3kg so the extra weight is noticed – but the extra strength and protection is worth it.

Also I am nearing completion of my first attempt at a semi removable spray deck – I’m not sure I want it on permanently, so I’m trying to install TPU waterproof zippers to 80% of the deck before I commit to installing it.  Fitting Velcro would be a great option to make it 100% removable, but TPU backed velcro is impossible to locate and I’m still unsure on appropriate glue for accessories to be permanently attached.  If anyone has suggestions I’m open to them.

I also need to address a crease in the overlap (reinforcing) fabric at the rear of the raft, when sealing this I got to a point where folding it to seal it was much easier, however the fabric now has a noticeable white crease mark where the black fabric has at first glance separated at the threads – it is still water and air tight.

Also my Aliexpress Packraft 2 piece semi drysuit arrived and I must say for the $100AUD I’m impressed with the quality and the fact I remained totally dry while getting in and out of the raft to launch and retrieve, it will be put to the test in more depth at a later stage.

 

[Author]

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