02-14-2004, 11:20 PM
[cool][blue][size 1]I am assuming you mean to help prevent getting spines in your air chambers. Here is a copy and paste from one of the chapters in my book. Let me know if you need more help. I make them mostly from naugahyde, which I cut and stitch to fit...with some elastic cord and clips on the corners to attach to D rings.[/size][/blue]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]PROTECTIVE APRONS[/size][/font]
[size 3][font "Times New Roman"] Sharp points and air chambers do not mix well. If you fish for species with sharp spines on their fins, you should consider a protective apron on the front of your craft, where fish can bounce during the landing or releasing process. [/font][/size]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]Even a lowly bluegill, dropping off the hook before you can grab it, can inflict a pinhole leak in your air chamber. This will usually not result in a sudden deflation, but it must be addressed. Your remaining time on the water will be limited, unless you have an onboard pump, to keep up with the air loss.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]Protective aprons can be made from a piece of inner tube rubber, canvas, rubberized fabric, heavy nylon or Naugahyde. I have made many serviceable exterior aprons of different colors of Naugahyde. It is easy to work with, inexpensive and wards off all but direct hits from the sharpest spines. It is also good to cushion any areas that come into contact with fish baskets or stringers…for the same reasons.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]Aprons may be fitted, cut and sewn to be tied down on the outside of your craft cover…or they may be inserted between the air chamber and the cover before inflation. The latter method is more tedious, but is also less visible and less bothersome.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]Whatever material you choose for an apron, it should be light and strong, as well as being able to hold up under repeated soakings and drying out…and long rides in the hot sun.[/size][/font]
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[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]PROTECTIVE APRONS[/size][/font]
[size 3][font "Times New Roman"] Sharp points and air chambers do not mix well. If you fish for species with sharp spines on their fins, you should consider a protective apron on the front of your craft, where fish can bounce during the landing or releasing process. [/font][/size]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]Even a lowly bluegill, dropping off the hook before you can grab it, can inflict a pinhole leak in your air chamber. This will usually not result in a sudden deflation, but it must be addressed. Your remaining time on the water will be limited, unless you have an onboard pump, to keep up with the air loss.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]Protective aprons can be made from a piece of inner tube rubber, canvas, rubberized fabric, heavy nylon or Naugahyde. I have made many serviceable exterior aprons of different colors of Naugahyde. It is easy to work with, inexpensive and wards off all but direct hits from the sharpest spines. It is also good to cushion any areas that come into contact with fish baskets or stringers…for the same reasons.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]Aprons may be fitted, cut and sewn to be tied down on the outside of your craft cover…or they may be inserted between the air chamber and the cover before inflation. The latter method is more tedious, but is also less visible and less bothersome.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]Whatever material you choose for an apron, it should be light and strong, as well as being able to hold up under repeated soakings and drying out…and long rides in the hot sun.[/size][/font]
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