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Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 3:06 pm
by Oldsparkey
David

As I suggested .... Use it as a base camp with either a tent on it or just a tarp over it as a structure to hold the tarp up for camping on a cot, out of the bugs and on the water.

From what Matt was saying then if you got into a bad spot the pontoons could be used as personal watercraft to return to safety. You are paddling and camping in a lot more dangerous waters then we are over here in the states .... All we have are Yankees, Jet Skies and idiots.

You have the critters that want you for lunch or better yet for Supper down under there in Australia. :?

By the way it could also work as a campsite while getting to the water.... A dust (off the ground) water proof and comfortable camp. :D

Chuck.

Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 3:48 pm
by jem
I keep thinking about the 8 x 16 version Chuck mentioned.

I think I have a simple way to build it that would require less plywood comparitively.

Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 4:03 pm
by Oldsparkey
Matt

What I was thinking about was one fisherman or at the most Two and using it as a base camp.

You need some comfort out there and a solid area which is dry along with plenty of SHADE and ventilation. Especially down here in the Florida heat and the weather that you never know what is going to happen. Calm one day and a hurricane the next.

I have camped in three of them (Hurricanes , one was in a tent and the rest in a hammock , now you know why I like hammocks.) and I think my luck might be running out and a small form of insurance would be nice, like paddling back to the vehicle and then going home. Having 4 aces up your sleave sure does help.

Now I like your idea that if you get into a bad way then the pontoons could actually become boats for each person. That could and would become a life saver for those persons.

Chuck.

Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 4:19 pm
by jem
I should probably clarify...

I meant to say I had my doubts as to how I could make that happen.

The pontoons would have to be stable enough to paddle so they would have to be wide enough. To be affective pontoons they need to be around 16" high.

Then you'd need a way to keep them sealed up tight when you're using them as pontoons. Last thing you need is water getting in them.

hmmmm......hold on. Ok I think I got it. Let me chew on this a bit.

Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2004 7:29 pm
by Len
could you use the design for the cape fear sit on top kayak as the pontoons?

I was actually thinking of that. it would be nice possiably with a trampoline type of material for the deck. and a colapseable frame for the deck.

just some thoughts. you could paddle out with a buddy or a significant other and have a "camp" for the day or night. and then you still have the kayaks for solo jaunts.

Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2004 7:55 pm
by jem
Interesting. I'd wonder if you could could get the cloth decks tight enough to sleep on. I suppose making a frame that could be attached would be easy enough to do. Heck...you almost don't need set of plans for it.

fabric

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 9:15 pm
by Len
I think i have seen material similar to that on some catamarans. and it supported the weight of a few people.


Len

Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 10:12 pm
by aub77
Just for kicks, here is an early predecessor:

Image