Thought I'd share the same info I posted on the Trailer Sailor Bulletin Boards.
Found plans for an Origami style folding dinghy made out of CoroPlast - a 4 mm corrugated plastic 4' X 8' sheet available at graphics shops in several colors that is WATERPROOF, LIGHTWEIGHT, and FOLDS WITH A "LIVING HINGE" thousands of times without tearing.
Transferred fold lines from plans.
(http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l594/CPYOA/Coroplast%20Dinghy/IMG_0285.jpg)
"Scored", creased, and folded darts to form the hull with stainless bolts ultimately holding darts permanently in position.
(http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l594/CPYOA/Coroplast%20Dinghy/IMG_0287.jpg)
Added top edge wood stiffners and cross member supports with panels.
(http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l594/CPYOA/Coroplast%20Dinghy/IMG_0300.jpg)
Added 1/4" plywood floor for strength.
(http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l594/CPYOA/Coroplast%20Dinghy/IMG_0303.jpg)
Decided on early sea trial, (with kayak paddle cobbled together since parts for final paddle still under construction), to decide whether or not to spend more time , energy, and dollars to "finish" it off properly.
(http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l594/CPYOA/Coroplast%20Dinghy/IMG_0308.jpg)
Although somewhat "tender", requiring careful entry and exit, once I sat down and lowered my center of gravity the boat felt reasonably stable for such a narrow beamed vessel. It handled well with makeshift paddle. Decided to "finish" her off properly.
The next two photos speak volumes as to why the design appeals so much to me.
(http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l594/CPYOA/Coroplast%20Dinghy/IMG_0310.jpg)
(http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l594/CPYOA/Coroplast%20Dinghy/IMG_0302.jpg)
capt_nemo
I have always liked designs like this, that is really neat.
I used to have a graphics shop before the Lightning damage took it all away...... I can speak as to that CoroPlas and its durability.
Fantastic stuff, I actually had some laying around last year yet and cut it up to make some sun shields for my garage door windows.
We used to grab some of the sheets out and fold them into small "spray booths" when needed and then just throw them away when done. CHEAP material for sure.
Great job! Where can one get the plans for this little beast? Maybe that should be the CLR racing dingy. ;) ........LOL
Mac
The design is by Ken Simpson and can be found at www.PortableBoatPlans.com
Capt_Nemo
I hate you and all your wonderful, amazing, beautiful, upgrades. ;)
You definitely get the award for the best customizations and additions to a Com-Pac.
I can only hope that one day I might be able to reproduce only a slight amount of the talent and creativity that you have shown on this website.
Billy
Billy,
Thanks for the kind (I think?) words.
If you know what you want - figure out a way to make it happen!
capt_nemo
That is really slick!!!
Like Billy, I too hate you ;D You also get my vote for Chief Compac Imagineer ! 8)
Iv'e been to Nemos house and can attest that the shine on his garage floor is authentic- not photoshopped in!
Bob23
btw, cool boat. I like some of the folding boats that are available.