Portable Folding Boat
I saw this design for a foldable boat on the ABC's New Inventors program awhile back and thought it deserved a mention.
Designed by boat builder Gavin Ager in 1999, the “Flatout Boat” is believed to be the first “rigid” folding boat available in the world market. The boat uses new technology incorporating a unique patented geometry which enables the front to bend upward to form the shape of a conventional bow as it is being opened from a flat position.
Currently available in lengths of 3.3m, 3m or 2.4m boat, with the ability to accommodate up to an 8 horsepower outboard motor (depending on the configuration), the entire boat folds down to a 10cm thickness by 62cm width carry-bag size, and can be fully assembled within 3 minutes. It is currently manufactured using 4 premium grade composite panels made using resin infusion, giving it great strength, light weight (about 48kg) and excellent stability on the water.
This is an excellent boating option for people those travelling with campers or trailers and want to minimise the amount of toys they are hauling. Towing or hauling a traditional aluminum dinghy is almost not worth the effort for short trips and holidays but the Foldable Boat negates the stowage, lashing and towing problems that are traditionally a problem.
This is an excellent boating option for people those travelling with campers or trailers and want to minimise the amount of toys they are hauling. Towing or hauling a traditional aluminum dinghy is almost not worth the effort for short trips and holidays but the Foldable Boat negates the stowage, lashing and towing problems that are traditionally a problem.
