Made a Plastic Dinghy for Sun Cat "Frisky".

[capt_nemo]

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.



"Scored", creased, and folded darts to form the hull with stainless bolts ultimately holding darts permanently in position.



Added top edge wood stiffners and cross member supports with panels.



Added 1/4" plywood floor for strength.



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.



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.








capt_nemo

[Bob23]

Very cool, Nemo. Man: Even your garage floor is spotless!
What a great idea for a quick dingy.
Bob23

[kahpho]

That is purely imaginative. I tip my watchcap to you. 



mel

[Joseph]

Captn_nemo...

Another great creation of yours...

I am already quite happy with the plastic dingy I got for my SC... it's a Bic Sportyak II, and in my case I really need a beamy and stable tender... But I would not mind getting for it the same kind of seat that you adapted to your yellow marvel... Can you tell where you got, bought or scrounged that nice little red seat from...?

J.

[capt_nemo]

Joseph,

Found that little red folding seat gem in a hardware store near Marquette, MI a few years ago during a summer RV trip. Bought two of 'em.

Not 100% sure but it may have been an ACE Hardware Store.

Although my wife and I made 5" cushions for all 'round the cockpit, I use two of those seats instead, one on each side, when I sail solo, which is most of the time. They are quite comfortable, cushioning my back against the cockpit coaming. Those large cushions are a PITA to store, especially with all the mods I've installed on the starboard side down below.

capt_nemo

[Billy]

Here is a link.

http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/sportsmans/Stansport-Go-Anywhere-Chair-with-adjustable-back-rest-/productDetail/Stadium-Seats/prod99990135836/cat100885

[Joseph]

Captn_nemo and Billy... much appreciated! I may still try to get one of those go-anywhere's for coamings of the SC... but as for the Sportyak I think I may rig something with one of those plastic steps sold in the IKEA stores... 

J.