Home-Build: G-Mat 5

How does this concave bottom work ? I understand concave on a solid board but a mat is fluid depending on inflation and riders weight and postion on the mat and wave shape

That's a good observation Jerry.

Basically, it really comes in to operation when upping the pressure on turns (through squeezing). When you release you go back to a pliable, sheet of material.

I have a bit of a wayward weld on one I-beam. Hopefully it won't mess things up too much. A moment of haste I'm embarrassed to say.

Anyway, all of the I-beams are done now.

G

Can you regulate where the air goes when you squeeze ie more air to the outside rail pontoon ? Are Mats Square because they need to be gripped by the rider has any one built a U shaped mat ?

A U-shaped mat? Can't visualize that.

Mats are square because, in a straight line, a straight rail gives most hold. The beauty of mats is that they are pliable so can morph as needed. A surfboard can't do this so involves a constant battle between contrasting elements to get a board that does what you want. Basically, a square corner or straight rail on a mat can can go round if needed but a round corner can't gprs square.

A deflated mat with a round front profile will just end up pushing water. You have to add the hydrodynamic effect of pliable material into you thinking on mats. Unlike boards, if a bit of the mat is causing resistance it'll just move!

G

On regulating pressure, you squeeze air out of one pontoon and it'll go into the other. Don't forget, you lie on the inside rail, rather than the middle one in steeper sections. Squeezing the outside rail will fill the inside rail and give more hold.

G

So you go Morfing now not matting G !
I like the Morf word
S.

Well, all welded. I seem to have the outer I-beams too close to the rail. The result is a concave up the middle into a displacement hull-esque curve to the rail, rather than the intended concave right across. Subtle rocker has worked out OK though.

It'll work or it will not. Time will tell.

The first shot is the deck, the other 2 are the bottom. From my phone, hence the quality.

G

Hopefully these are a bit better quality. Shot of the bottom:



Here's a view from the nose. You can see my worry from here I think:



A view down the length of the bottom:



I'm gonna get it finished and then see how it goes.

Cheers

G

Sick

You Have made an amazing job G
S.

Just watched the Tom Wagner tuna alaia article and the board has concave in the centre then a chine so perhaps it will have a similar result.
S.

Spot on...How are the other mats holding up?

Since going to more robust I-beams they've been great. G-Mat 3 is all I've ridden since August and has been out in all sorts of nonsense. G-Mat 4 is tough but had trouble getting S-FAHT to stick. Cookson has that as I didn't like the corners in the end.

G

Cool, youve got it sussed Ill have to try one next time we meet up. Will you be using vulken or trem on this one. Still need to grip my RT

The S-FAHT sticks fine to this feck as its 200d but I gone with Vulkem anyway. So nice to have crumb already mixed.

All done. I'll stick up a pic later. I wad planning to call this mat "The Stealth Bomber" but as its worked the the way it has I'm gonna christen it "The Displexperiment".

G

I can't even say that. I'll call it Stealth.

Good job G, the sleekest mofo mat yet.

Here it is finished. Lettering/branding with Tremflex (I need to work out how to do a cleaner job of that). Grip is Vulkem with a Stippleback finish.

In the garage now til Thursday night to cure.

G

Real nice G......

Hope to see it on Friday!Did you hear the true story about stealth condoms?I`ll tell `ee dreckly...

GRAYMAN wrote: I gone with Vulkem anyway. So nice to have crumb already mixed.

G

So its already mixed with crumb? What are the fumes like compared to that sh*tty (fumes)trem? Where did you get it?

The fumes are similar, if not worse than Tremflex. Save on buying smack though.

Anyway, all done. Finito.

G

Mate, thats cracking. I think you could call yourself a pro now and start taking orders.

Try screen printing the logo using net curtain mesh.

Sick, I'll have one when I get a bit of cash : )

Cheers pj

great job G

stu wrote:You Have made an amazing job G
S.

matt23 wrote:Spot on...How are the other mats holding up?

Surf Empty wrote:I can't even say that. I'll call it Stealth.

Good job G, the sleekest mofo mat yet.

skansand wrote:Real nice G......

Gaz wrote:great job G

Thank you all. Much appreciated. Yet to see if it works though.

papajoe wrote:Mate, thats cracking. I think you could call yourself a pro now and start taking orders.... Sick, I'll have one when I get a bit of cash : )

Dunno about pro mate! Improving novice I'd say. Not planning to sell for less than £1m. The odd cast off might drift out though.

papajoe wrote:Try screen printing the logo using net curtain mesh.


Cheers pj

I like that idea PJ. Wide mesh to let the sealant through. Could also go thinner as I have to make a farly thick stencil at the mo.

Test drive Friday.

G

GRAYMAN wrote:The fumes are similar, if not worse than Tremflex. Save on buying smack though.

Now THATS great news, I'll tell Lindsay and we'll be 'round this weekend.