Can you row the Intex 200 inflatable boat raft pool toy?
In this video, I take the little Intex 200 boat raft to the water and row it with a little frame attached. The metal frame allows me to sit on top and row. I used two 6 foot two piece aluminum oars. I bought the frame online but modified it with plywood and neoprene foam rubber.
The Intex 200 was not stable with me sitting on top of the frame. However, the oars when extended helped keep the boat from being too tippy. A larger boat would help. I also think a large skeg or outriggers would also help. I am in the process of making foam outriggers for a later video.
It was difficult to get a rhythm going with the oars or take full strokes as the water was full of patches of floating weeds. I was very happy at how little effort was needed to make the boat move. It was truly joyful. However, if there was a strong wind the boat is so light it may be a handful to maneuver.
I made a second trip and went upwind as I always do when possible. When I got to the end of the canal the oarlock came apart as I had not secured the nut tight enough. When I lifted up the oar the pin fell in the water. I then found out with only one oar on the water it was very unstable to row. Also, I wanted to operate my camera but could not take my hands off of the oars. I used the wind to bring me back to my starting place. Before I go again I have to make sure the oars are very secure and take a paddle as a backup.
The reason I added the rowing frame was to see if it would make it easier to get in and out of the raft without turning over. The rowing frame worked; getting in and out of the boat was so much easier.
I am also very happy about how light the Intex 200 is and how easy it is to inflate and assemble. I attached the frame with bungee cords. I carried the boat and frame to the water from my apartment using one hand and carried the oars in the other. I do not know of many other possible solutions to me getting out on the water with something I can store in my closet or transport so effortlessly.
The plastic is very thin and close to useless. I call it Beaver plastic as anything that touches it gnaws a hole in it like a beaver. I punctured the plastic accidentally by carrying the oars unassembled inside. One of the oarlocks had a rough edge to one of the fittings and made a pinhole. A surprising outcome is I was able to use clear Gorilla tape to quickly repair the puncture of the plastic.
I think I can cover the outside of the inflatable with a tarp and fold the ends inside and then attach a thin lightweight floorboard and my metal frame over the top to keep the tarp secure, this will protect the entire boat.
The more I think about it a light small outrigger attached to the bow could eliminate any tipping concerns and actually turn this little toy into something reasonably safe and useful.
I bought the Intex on Amazon without a pump 2 years ago for $12. The prices have gone up. Intex also makes larger and more stable sizes. The prices go up and down a lot with the best deals in the fall and winter. I doubt the long-term durability of this boat and caution anyone to be careful if they intend on duplicating what I am doing but I am having fun experimenting with it.
Intex Explorer 200 Inflatable Boat Series [ Ссылка ]
Intex 300 [ Ссылка ]
I bought the frame inline for about $60 on sale at half price, but I think I can build one for less. The forces on the frame from rowing such a tiny light boat are quite small and I think a lighter wooden frame and lighter wooden oars would improve the portability with few worries of them breaking from rowing.
If you appreciate my videos you can always visit Amazon via my amazon store link and anything you buy on Amazon Jeff Bezos send me a few pennies.
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Always check on eBay and other sites to see if items are cheaper than amazon.
I want to thank you guys again for showing up and watching me trying to have a little fun or show you something that might help you out. I made YouTube videos for fun years before they paid a penny and I will continue to do so as long as it is fun and you guys keep showing up.
see ya out there.
Robb Moffett
Robb's Homemade life
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