Some one mentioned an idea about just using polymer for the hull with some framework to support it. Crossed my mind prior to hearing it and after doing some research as to glues and sealants I thought it might be possible! BUT! does anyone know off hand the Coefficient of expansion or in simpler terms so I can understand what kind of rate everything expands/contracts at. If I built a tube steel frame with 1/2" poly with good support and if necessary slots to handle difference of expansion, Might work? You guys dont have to worry about the expansion issue as much. In the same context, If you built a mould and they injected a hull then built necessary braceing, or moulded the bracing into it. might work pretty good. Might not last 20 years but would probably pretty cheap to turn out the hull section.If everyones thinking the same, Somebodys not thinking! :wink:
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Coefficient of expansion, Polymers and other stuff!
- Thread starter COLD
- Start date
cowboy
Moderator
marshmaster pat
Well-known member
Cold-EH Those gears in your brain must be spinning really fast. The ideas just don't stop. Hope you keep lots of liquid lubrication around to cool them down. I like to use Coors. :wink: But the world needs thinkers, cause if we were all like me, Fred Flintstones' power train on his car would still be the neatest thing in the world.
The polymer does flex some, so the hull skin would have some flex to it - sort of like a cheap plastic canoe. I have seen the stuff torn several difference times. But that was 1/4 and 38 inch stuff. But I figure the right shaped rock, ouch.
The issue I would see would be the screws tearing through it if you hit something. Especially once it get a couple years old. However, if you kept a close watch and didn't hit any rocks it would work for a while. Not sure how long.
Cowboy - Good Site, Thanks
The polymer does flex some, so the hull skin would have some flex to it - sort of like a cheap plastic canoe. I have seen the stuff torn several difference times. But that was 1/4 and 38 inch stuff. But I figure the right shaped rock, ouch.
The issue I would see would be the screws tearing through it if you hit something. Especially once it get a couple years old. However, if you kept a close watch and didn't hit any rocks it would work for a while. Not sure how long.
Cowboy - Good Site, Thanks
harvey
Well-known member
I've often pondered an airboat hull of the same mateial as whitewater canoes. Twin-tex, Royalex, Royalite, T Form Elite, etc. They have come a long way. Very durable and most have air injected into the material for flotation. Twin-Tex seems to be the latest and greatest. Let's check into it; but, for now I'll stick with the Seminole.
Merry CHRISTmas,
Harvey
Merry CHRISTmas,
Harvey
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Anonymous
Guest
COLD-EH'":2kt5p9ik said:
Just want to make sure I get credit for being the "someone" that mentioned it! :evil3:
I think that the expansion shouldn't be any more problem than it is when you mount the poly to the bottom of a hull.
If aircraft can be made from a wood framework with fabric skin, we can make an airboat out of an aluminum space frame covered with polymer
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Anonymous
Guest
Cold, check out http://www.gaboats.com .... Geodesic Airolite Boats, designed by Platt Monfort. The same theory as your idea ?
BF
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