Mariner 3 bottom whitewater mod

[newfoundlandrivers]

Hello all,

My girlfriend and I have significant whitewater experience so we are aware of the dangers on the river...

So, here's my question:
We have an Intex mariner 3 (seahak II) that we have taken out for a laugh and run short but pretty decent class III+ rapids in it. Obviously it can only handle very small ledges and specific situations but its a lot of fun for short rapids with a safe run out into a pool. However, it's not the toughest boat in the bay. I was wondering if anyone has experience glueing material like vinyl flooring, in strips, to the bottom of cheap inflatables to make them puncture resistant. Any advice on the best way to do it?

thanks!

For those who are interested/doubtful, heres a video of someone turning the same boat into a self bailer and having a hilarious time! How to make a cheap Self-Bailing Raft - Intex SeaHawk II - YouTube
(mind you the holes arent worth it. If the boat were to get dangerously full it would take too long to drain with the amount of possible holes anyway. We just never put ourselves in a situation where getting swamped will get us into serious trouble)

 

[lncoop]

Re: Mariner 3 bottom whitewater mod

Maybe we should establish what Class III+ means to you. No disrespect intended. I know you have plenty of white water in Newfoundland, but short rapids and small ledges are considered class I+ to class II. Class III+ is significant whitewater with big hydraulics, must make moves and a diminished chance of rescue. I didn't see any of those conditions in the video. Again, no disrespect intended, and anything's possible I guess, but in III+ water (at least as it's rated here) a boat like that would immediately taco and throw you out then disappear down river.

 

[newfoundlandrivers]

Re: Mariner 3 bottom whitewater mod

Thanks for your input. This is around the size im talking about: Class III River Baby
In any event, whatever the classification, my question remains. Does anyone have experience using urethane/hypalon/pvc coatings and could recommend a brand/dealer? Or can anyone think of a way to jimmy rig my dinghy so I can more comfortably scrape it over rocks?
be inventive! it doesnt have to be pretty.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Mariner 3 bottom whitewater mod

Fair enough. Only way I could think of to do that would be to use PVC material from a rafting supply shop (NRS, etc.) and something like Clifton Urethane adhesive that will bond disparate materials. You'd also need some way to stiffen the tubes I'd think, otherwise that boat will taco. You could probably build a little frame that would accomplish that and still allow you to R2 (I assume that's the plan). Of course, by the time this is all done it may or may not work and you'll have spent enough to buy an old used raft that was actually built for that kind of water. In any case, good luck and let us know how it turns out. Welcome aboard.