Concertina Folding Boat

[ConcertinaBoats]

Hi,
A couple of years ago I designed a small, simple folding rowing boat, called the Concertina, to be used as a tender to a yacht for my A-Level design technology project.
My main aim when designing it was to make it easier to build and quicker to erect than other folding boats of a similar style. I also managed to slightly reduce the weight.
I created a set of simple step by step plans to show how to build it. I also have a website www.concertinaboats.com with much more information on it.
I would love to have some feedback.
Many thanks
Barnaby

 

[ConcertinaBoats]

I've also just uploaded a video to youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da7OzZOYBKk

(Also my website doesn't seem to be working too well on Internet Explorer. It seems fine on Firefox and Chrome)

 

[sarabande]

CB

have you registered the design yet ? Might be worth doing so.

best of luck with it.

 

[Sojourner47]

I've also just uploaded a video to youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da7OzZOYBKk

(Also my website doesn't seem to be working too well on Internet Explorer. It seems fine on Firefox and Chrome)

Great project - your site worked OK for me on explorer

 

[ConcertinaBoats]

Thanks, it seems it was just IE7 that it did not work in and I believe it is fixed now.

 

[Kilter]

Hi Barnaby the site worked fine for me and the boat seems to work too. I would be wary of anything other than calm water as there is no bouancy if you were to get swamped.

I used to have a Seahopper and that had strap on bouyancy tubes.

 

[Marsupial]

Well done that man!

Impressive



Edit: Website no issues on IE8 on an ancient Toshi

 

[jhr]

Nice one, Barnaby; I particularly like your idea for the carrying handle! How does she row when there's a breeze? I'm guessing you may get blown around a lot but that's just as much of a problem with an inflatable.

I'm impressed.

 

[Porthandbuoy]

Concertina boat

Very very neat! I hope you received good marks for your project.

The 'geometry' of your design looks good from what I can see.

Structurally I'm assuming the waterproof floor keeping the water out is fabric, so will be vulnerable to punctures. That's not a criticism, just an observation, as inflatables have the same problem.

Aesthetically I'd add a bit of sheerline to the sides simply to make it look less boxy.

All-in-all a damn good effort and worthy of a feature in one of our mags.

 

[ConcertinaBoats]

Thanks for all your comments .

Kilter: I agree. I would not use it in large waves but the high sides do mean it can be used with smallish waves. Maybe I should look into additional bouyancy.

jhr: With no keel and being light it can be blown off-course in windy conditions. I use it as a tender and over the short distance to the mooring this isn't a problem. I can see that it could be over longer distances.

Porthandbuoy: Thanks. The waterproof fabric is a type of pvc coated canvas. I believe it is the same material as is used for the backs of some lorries. It is fairly tough and I haven't had any punctures yet but I am wary. It has wooden protection along the underneath of the two long rib sections. These are the first bits to touch the ground in shallow water so will protect from anything other than a particularly large protruding sharp stone.
A feature in one of your mags would be fantastic!