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Other: Making Flotation Bags
By:Doug S
Date: 4/3/2008, 2:31 pm

Using a combination of instructions on the Black Dog Kayaks forums and pages on YostWerks.com, I attempted to make some flotation bags the other night. I bought 3 yards of 20mil clear vinyl, a little container of HH-66, some MEK, some PVC, tube and valves.

I measured the bag sizes based on Joel's instruction and got them cut out. I did *not* use any MEK. I applied glue to the edges of each half (slopped it on, I didn't have any tape to clean up the interior edges). I then took the time to do the PVC valve (poorly, I might add).

I then put the 2 halves together and hand pressed down along all of the edges. I wasn't sure what it takes to "set" the HH-66, so I just used my (according to my wife - freakishly) hot hands. I pressed all of the way around, moving my hands as I went.

I then added the hose & valve. I took the bags downstairs and very lightly used a heat gun to the edges and around the valve. I was overly concerned about melting/burning the vinyl with the heat gun. With me being overly concerned - I don't think this did much.

I let the bags sit overnight and throughout the next work day. I inflated the bags (pretty heavily) and along 2 spots of the edges, the bag split open for 1/4" to 1/2".

Can anyone describe in (idiot-level details) what the process of applying HH-66 and then activating it?

Messages In This Thread

Other: Making Flotation Bags
Doug S -- 4/3/2008, 2:31 pm
Re: Thanks all
Doug S -- 4/4/2008, 10:50 am
Re: Other: Making Flotation Bags
Tom Yost -- 4/3/2008, 6:11 pm
Re: Other: Making Flotation Bags
Doug Smith -- 4/4/2008, 5:47 pm
Re: Other: Making Flotation Bags
kelly t -- 5/4/2008, 3:50 am
Re: Other: Making Flotation Bags
Doug Smith -- 5/4/2008, 12:14 pm
Re: Other: Making Flotation Bags
kelly t -- 5/8/2008, 8:42 pm
Re: Other: Making Flotation Bags
Paul G. Jacobson -- 5/8/2008, 7:37 pm
Re: Other: Making Flotation Bags
kelly t -- 5/11/2008, 1:49 pm
Re: Other: Making Flotation Bags
Sean -- 4/4/2008, 10:50 pm
Re: Other: Making Flotation Bags
Sean -- 4/3/2008, 9:42 pm
Re: Other: Making Flotation Bags
Bill Hamm -- 4/4/2008, 10:35 am
Re: Other: Making Flotation Bags *Pic*
Tom Yost -- 4/4/2008, 9:41 am
Re: Other: Making Flotation Bags
kelly t -- 4/3/2008, 11:58 pm
Re: Other: Making Flotation Bags
AaronH -- 4/3/2008, 11:26 pm
Re: Other: Making Flotation Bags
kelly t -- 4/4/2008, 12:31 am
Re: Other: Making Flotation Bags *LINK* *Pic*
Aaron H -- 4/4/2008, 10:58 am
Re: Other: Making Flotation Bags
kelly t -- 4/7/2008, 5:37 pm
This link reveals all *NM* *LINK*
David, Tasmania -- 4/3/2008, 4:51 pm