[heatshear]

Two packrafts made for a spectacular camping trip near Tobermory (Bruce Peninsula). I got an answer to my question of “how fast are these?”: the trip included a 6.5 km non-stop paddle on calm open water with no wind – this took 1:40, meaning we averaged a speed of 3.9 km/h in heavily loaded boats, relaxed level of effort. More photos of the trip

[heatshear]

I just finished my second packraft today. The pointy bow and stern curves are tough. For those, I used a small stainless steel bowl (with wrong-way masking tape) no problem. But approaching the vertex of the curve, I needed a form with a tighter radius. I used a smooth round rock a little bigger than a golf ball. That worked perfectly – no wrinkles, no cursing.

[heatshear]

Weight-weenie idea: I cut some fabric out of the seat baffles. I expect these would be plenty strong if made out the 115 GSM fabric?

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