I wonder about the 6 ft width if somebody gets close to an edge. I'd give it a good stability check in relatively shallow water without the hammock. Might want to think about anchoring the far side so it cannot flip over on you while checking.
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I wonder about the 6 ft width if somebody gets close to an edge. I'd give it a good stability check in relatively shallow water without the hammock. Might want to think about anchoring the far side so it cannot flip over on you while checking.
Do you realize what you have just inspired me to do? My god man!... Wonder if a single axle trailer could be converted into on of these? That way you could just pull it behind and back it down the boat ramp.
Man I am impressed!
I second the idea from others, about making sure you will be stable enough. I cringe to think about what happens when the wind turns that tarp into a sail:confused:
Let us know how the preliminary sea trials go. I'm eager to see this thing finished:boggle:
Stability has been mentioned. I imagine it will be mentioned again immediately after the first float test.
Great idea, fun times ahead, something I always dreamed of doing but never did.
Seriously, it won't be as stable as one might think, especially near the sides.
Subscribed because I'm interested in hearing about the stability and how your trials go.
Looks good! If stability is an issue might I suggest plastic fuel tanks off a pickup truck. One attached down each side will add a great deal of stability with out adding alot of width. We have switch to them on our boat dock and find they are close to the same float as a barrel but the shape is much easier to work with. And pretty cheap at a wreking yard.
Now this looks like a tonne of fun!
That is really cool. I was thinking another option for people (with a little cash) to buy a used hobie cat (in poor condition) and retrofit it. I know you can find them pretty cheap sometimes. then you would have great stability, and also built in steering.
Anyway, I like your idea and wish you luck with it!
Awesome, Ben!
You're plenty stable but any watercraft needs power, steerage, and directional stability. I'd suggest a sculling oar on the back and some kind of keel. You could even float lazy rivers that way. It's a perennial dilemma to loft any kind of fabric -- one often has to choose between wind and weather protection. Any object more than a foot above water will affect your speed and heading.
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