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đ¤ Letâs Build an [affordable] Boatđ¤
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items During my research to find an inflatable kayak for two for a short vacation, I opted for this 5 person raft instead. What I didnât realize is this simple purchase would turn into an awesome project of building out our own personal small boat.
It co...
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Bought this instead of a 2 person kayak when I was doing research, and it turned out to be the best investment! What I thought was going to be simply looking for an inflatable toy just to get us in the water, turned into a whole project where we beca...
Intex Excursion 5 Inflatable Boat Set
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This is important to keep the battery protected on the boat!
Minn Kota Trolling Motor Power Center
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The inflatable raft comes with oars, but let me tell you, itâs not for the weak! We added a simple trolling motor to the raft so that we can get around smoother. Itâs a slow speed, but just enough to get out and enjoy the water.
*Adding a trolling mo...
MotorGuide Freshwater R3 Transom Mount Trolling Motorâ Floor Model
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You will need the motor mount kit in order to attach the trolling motor to your inflatable raft!
Intex Composite Boat Motor Mount Kit for Inflatable Boats 68624EP-WMT
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3/4â plywood is needed to make the bottom floor of the raft. This will turn it from a raft into a more stable boat style.
Plytanium 23/32 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. RTD Sheathing Syp 157946
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This isnât exactly a must haveâŚbut at the same time it is đ the sun can be brutal so this definitely helps you want to stay out longer by being able to block out the direct sun. âď¸
Intex Bimini Top Sun Shade for Mariner, Seahawk, Excursion, & Challenger Boats 68600E
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Make sure you donât skimp out on a battery! We made the mistake of going the cheaper end, and it was too small of a battery and we died in the middle of the lake and had to paddle back! It is going to be heavy on the boat, but worth it to ensure you ...
Duralast Marine/RV Deep Cycle Battery BCI Group Size 24 550 CCA 24DC-DL
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Essential for the small items you need to keep safe from any kind of water like phone or cigarettes and lighter!
Flambeau Tuff Tainer Waterproof Box
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A good option on the more affordable side just to get you on the water without rowing. The thrust would definitely be on the slower side.
Minn Kota Endura C2 Trolling Motor with Battery Meter - Model ENDURA C2 34 - 36"
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If you plan on hanging out anywhere and donât want to end up using your battery power to fight against to current to stay in place, an anchor and rope with be necessary!
Bass Pro Shops Twisted Nylon Anchor Line | Bass Pro Shops
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If you plan on hanging out at all, an anchor will be necessary or else you end up using all of your battery power to fight against the current. I didnât think this was necessary and I regretted it instantly, I great âI told you soâ moment for my boyf...
Bass Pro Shops River Anchor | Bass Pro Shops
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This came in handy more times than I thought! Especially since it is an inflatable boat, this was a great buffer to ensure it wouldnât pop on anything.
Bass Pro Shops Inflatable Boat Fender | Bass Pro Shops
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Honestly, just simply one of the most useful things you can have around anywhere!
Bass Pro Shops Multipurpose 3/8" Braided Rope with Hook | Bass Pro Shops
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This is necessary to put around the edge of the plywood. I wrapped my plywood with a tarp, and then put a turf on the top, and the pipe insulation will cover the staples used to hold those other things in place. Itâs super nice because it is already ...
Frost King 6-ft Foam Self-sealing tubular pipe insulation for 3/4-in Pipe
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Needed to use these to hold the pipe insulation onto the board securely. Youâll need to drill a hole through the plywood and fabrics to put the zip tie through, and make sure when you cut down the extra pieces you have the connection part facing up s...
Utilitech 8-in Nylon Zip ties Black with UV Protection ( 30 -Pack)
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Use this to wrap the entire plywood board so it doesnât splinter and puncture the inflatable boat.
Project Source 8-ft x 10-ft Blue Waterproof Standard Polyethylene 5-mil Tarp
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We put this on the top part of the floor for better comfort and cushion.
Style Selections Artificial grass Spring Olive Roll-bar 12-ft Cut To Length Artificial Grass
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If you donât already own an electric staple gun, BUY ONE! Theyâre so useful for so many things and it saves your hands the heartache of gripping a traditional staple gun. This is needed to secure the tarps and artificial turf onto the board.
Bostitch 3/8-in Corded Electric Staple Gun
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We wanted a proper captains chair for the back of the boat, so we upgraded to something like this. The swivel bottom is essential for optimal comfortability. The blow up bench seats that come with it are actually very nice and comfortable though!
Bass Pro Shops Tournament Pro Lo-Back Boat Seat | Bass Pro Shops
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Seat swivel for optimal
Comfortability and movement by the trolling motors
Boat Seat Swivel
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This will be needed to lift the chair off the bottom on the raft.
Bass Pro Shops Economy Boat Seat Pedestal | Bass Pro Shops
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Life jackets are a must, regardless of what kind of water craft you are on!
Bass Pro Shops Universal Life Jacket 4-Pack - Navy/Silver
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Another option for life jackets
Bass Pro Shops A-M 24 Auto Manual Inflatable Life Vest (101772947)
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This one is great for those fishermen out there, versatile and multiple uses!
Bass Pro Shops Tournament Fishing Mesh Life Jacket
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Donât forget the kiddos!
Bass Pro Shops Recreational Life Jacket for Kids - Blue
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If you bring your doggos with you this is also necessary for them so they can safely enjoy the fun with you
Cabela's Advanced Life Jacket for Dogs - TrueTimber Prairie