Material for mats

I'm thinking about building my first mat, and have a couple questions. I can't find archives on this site, so I figured that I would just ask the question directly. I found some mil-spec PU coated nylon fabric online, and am wondering if this is a suitable material for a mat? Also, what are some approximate dimensions for a guy who is 6'2 and 165lbs? Can anyone direct me to something that shows mat building procedures step by step?
thanks

Where are you Adam? If youre in Oz I can direct to you where I get my supplies, otherwise I reckon Graeme will know.

I am in california, so that might not work. Thanks though

It's easy to find material in the US. Just Google TPU backed weldable nylon then score some samples. Building involves building tools first. It's a big commitment. You need to be doing it out of interest rather than saving money because you need to build a lot of mats before you can say you're saving money.

Dimension wise, what do you ride at the moment?

G

This would be my first mat. I build surfboards though and have been doing it for a while now. I might opt for a buying a cheap mat first. thanks for the advice

Adam, Ive built 3 mats lately using glue instead of welding so its been quick and easy. I went to an inflatable boat shop and they sold me the pro glue that they use. never had a blowout with it. Maybe thats a way to go. Get some material for $15 a metre, a pot of glue and scrounge up a plastic inflation valve and away you go. As youve got board building skills it should be easy.
Graeme, I and the others will walk you thru it if you want.
I replied to your comment on Sways but I think this is a better forum for everything inflatable.

I'd say you've built boards with inflatable hulls Brett, not mats. Fixing pliable material to solid boards is one thing. Fixing pliable materials to each other is another. Glue also leads to heavy and unpliable joins, although for a one off build is the easier option as you don't have to build tools before you get going.

I've built boards and have to say I find that far more straight forward than building mats. Every change of measurement transmits its way across the whole structure.

I would also say that you need experience of riding one before you can build one. Otherwise you'll just be applying surfboard logic to something that's utterly different.

G

I knew you'd pick me up on that !!
Im hearing that Adam wants to get his hands into matmaking more than perfecting the art so I was offering a cheap and cheerful way to do it. I think my Surf-O-plane is glued?
I recommend diving in and giving it a go, Ive vacillated over new projects and then lost interest so I jump straight in these days. I might not always get a quality item but Ive built, Ive learnt and usually I get inspiration to do it again.








Or realise I shoulve done it properly the first time!

Ha!



Promise me you'll never change.

G

Well thanks guys, I bought a CHEAP $10 canvas mat online. We'll see how it goes. maybe I can find likes and dislikes with it, then come here and see if I can make a better one later. thanks for all the help though, and the offer to give advice when I go to build one. I'll definitely be back with more questions before I build. thanks, adam

How you going with your mat Adam?

G

Well, I ordered it about 3 weeks ago, and it still hasn't been delivered...it was just a cheap one i found from a google seach. I've tried calling the company and get an answering machine every time. I'm anxious to get it in the water. today would have been perfect, but I had to resort to longboarding. I'll let you guys know how it goes when I get it in the mail. thanks for all the help guys, I really appreciate it.

Well my order somehow got cancelled, so the company sent me another one for ten percent off. I can't wait...it is on the way...hopefully it will be here at the end of the week. I really excited to give it a try.

Excellent.



G

Dunno if you've seen but I've sent you a PM Adam.

Cheers

G

Just got the mat in the mail!

Give us a pic mate.

G

http://www.qualitypooltoys.com/59194.html.
It is the shorter one...
Well, I rode it today, and it is definitely more challenging than I thought. Pretty tricky to get out past the surf as compared to a surfboard. Once on a wave, it is fun and fast. I finally got the hang of putting my weight on the inside rail to turn. I got a lot of "whats that" "(laughs)" and "I haven't seen one of those since the '50's" from the older crowd. can't wait to try it again.

5 pontoons. Hodge-o-delic!

G

Thanks...I think? what does that mean?

adamstevens wrote:Thanks...I think? what does that mean?

Like the old Converse Hodgeman mats.

Have a look in the MEDIA section of the site and read Inflatable Dreams for a bit more info.

G

okay thanks. I thought I was missing something

Hi Ad, you still riding the mat ?
Hows it going ??

I rode it straight for about a week. super fun, and I was starting to get the hang of it...i think. The seams running lengthwise along the top started blowing air, so I attempted to seal it with rubber asphalt sealer twice. It keeps leaking. I guess you get what you pay for right? I think I will build my own this summer or save up for a 4th gear flyer. how much does it cost to build your own? kinda busy with work, school, etc, so it won't be for a while. thanks

If you build them properly then building one isn't practical.as you have to make a welding table and welder.

G