DIY inflatable float

[calla969]

I just finished my first prototype inflatable float. I based the dimensions on the Riffe float, so it should have about the same lift. (around 80lbs) I used fluorescent orange, 1000 denier nylon, for high visibility and durability. It has a 2" SS D-ring in the front for floatline attachment and 2 1.5" delrin D-rings on each side for handle/accessory attachment. The prototype does not have the handles or flag/dive weight holder attached yet. The handles will be made the same way a DIY floatline is made. They will be 3 lengths of 5/8" black vinyl tubing with a poly core and snap swivels at each end. One will connect the D-rings at each side and the third will connect the rear one on each side going around the back giving you a handle on each side and one at the rear. The flag holder will be installed on a sleeve that will wrap around the middle of the float. I will make a pocket at the bottom for a dive weight and a hole in the top to accommodate a Riffe flag holder between the float and the sleeve. There is also a 12" zipper on one side to access the bladder. This sleeve will also reinforce the zipper. The bladder is the easiest part. I bought some 4mil plastic drop cloth form Home Depot, a replacement inflatable kayak valve from NRS, and a 1/2" x 48" wooden dowel. I cut a hole in the plastic sheet to fit the valve and folded it in half to eliminate one seam. Then, I placed the dowel under the two layers of plastic and placed a sheet of paper on top. Then I took an iron on medium heat and welded the seam using the paper to keep from burning the plastic. The bladder took a total of about 10 minutes to make. I built the bladder much larger than the nylon shell to allow tight inflation without popping the bladder. I use a foot pump to fill the float to about 10 or 15 PSI. It seems to be holding perfectly and is rock hard and very light when inflated. The whole thing cost me about $60 and I should have enough material left over to make another one.

This is the first time I've used a sewing machine since 7th grade home ec, so go easy on my sewing abilities.

[Pastor]

Go easy on your sewing abilities? Dude that is very impressive! I'm blown away if you'll excuse the pun

[beamjoel]

by far on the of best looking DIY projects posted on this site.

good job!!

Joel

[alexrom1207]

WOW...I may have to copy your design. I had looked at those Riffe floats and just laughed at the prices ($300 a pop are you serious!!!). But $60 in material and you can make 2...that's a steal. Nice work.

[calla969]

Thanks for the compliments guys. This is a very easy project if you have a sewing machine. This is literally the first time I've touched a sewing machine in 15 years. I spent an hour or so with some scrap fabric and the manual and I was off. I will be building another one soon. I have thought of some ideas that I would like to incorporate and I learned a lot from building this one and I want to improve the bladder material if I can find a source for the polyurethane film I'd like to use. When I build the next one, I plan to take pictures of the whole process and make a detailed tutorial. I may try to sell some after I perfect the design and materials and have a few people test them for me. If anyone wants to make one for themselves I'd be happy to provide details.

[minimate15]

Calla thats awesome, I saw where you posted this on SB if you wouldn't mind could you do a basic step by step of the build ?? maybe like a series of pics as you build the next one ??

[settingsteel]

Indeed that float came out excellenthope you proceed to many more, any idea what the lift is?

[James Jay]

Awesome job. Like minimate15 said, would love to see your step by step aproach to the job with a few pics would be great

GREAT JOB! Looks more like a store bought than a DIY.

[Mr. X]

Impressive. It would be interesting to see a picture of the bladder. It looks good enough to be a commerical product.

[Mongrel454]

WOW very impressive

[calla969]

I am going to build my next one soon. Just trying to decide on a valve and a few other details. I plan to make a very thorough how-to with lots of pics. I will post it on all the boards when I do. I believe the lift should be around 80lbs since I used the same dimensions that Riffe has posted for their float. I'm not sure what PSI the Riffe (not the Atmos) is rated for or even what mine is filled to, but mine is very firm and I max out my pump filling it, so I believe it should be somewhere between 10 and 15 PSI. I'm going to check it with a gauge today. I thought I had posted a pic of the bladder but I see that I didn't. I'll do that now.

[calla969]

The bladder is made of a plastic painter's dropcloth from the hardware store. It works but is not ideal. I am trying to find a source for polyurethane film for the next one. Polyurethane is much more expensive but extremely tough and welds a little nicer. I built the bladder a little oversize to allow room to make repairs if need be and also to ensure that the nylon shell takes all the force leaving the thin plastic in a relaxed state. The shape of the bladder doesn't matter either. The only reason I tapered the front end was to be sure that the bladder was able to reach all the way into the point of the float. Any voids between the nylon shell and the bladder will cause stress and leaks or total bladder failure.

[Jace]

thats hell good dude, skill there.
WOuld love to buy something like this.

[calla969]

If anyone wants a basic drawing of the pattern with measurements and some rough instructions for the nylon shell, contact me by PM. I will make a how-to when I make the next one, but this may help those interested until then. Thanks for the comments and compliments.

[MahiMan]

Very nice my friend! I don't know if many people do it but made my own using a boogie board, it came out pretty neat lol