Mystery Inflatable

[Pops]

My next door neighbor works at the town recycling center. He is always bringing home treasures. His latest gift to me is an old inflatable boat. It holds air and seems to be usable despite its age. I would like to paint it and put it to use as a light use dingy. I need to know how to tell if it is pvc or hypalon. It was made in Taiwan. Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[Ron20324]

First question- Any brand name, like on a transom-mount mfg plate?

 

[Pops]

No name, it does have a number on it. I think it starts with "FRM" and then 7 or eight digits. No results on google. It has a pouch on the inside with some instructions and "Made in Tawain" but no name. The number ended in 83, maybe the year of manufacture? The valves are brass, all seven or eight of them.

 

[Tim R.]

FRM is Ferrell boats out of Lincolnville, ME. They are out of business but I do not think they ever produced inflatables.

 

[Allan12210]

That sure looks like the old dinghy I had in the '80s from Sears. I recognize the valves and the flaps that cover them with the snaps. Does it inflate all the way around...no wooden transom? There was a tubular metal support with a wood surface to mount a very small outboard to. It was held over the tube with straps. If it is like that, check Sears, they may still have info on it. Seems to me that it was Hypalon. We just rowed it around and the first big blow we found it handled like a barge. The wind carried us down the harbor at Half Moon Bay and luckily we grabbed a fishing boat's anchor chain. Someone saw us and towed us back to our boat. We bought a proper dinghy with a wood floor and transom (and outboard!) after that experience.

Allan

 

[Capt. Kermie]

Paint your Dinghy?

I would like to paint it and put it to use as a light use dingy. I need to know how to tell if it is pvc or hypalon.

Can you paint those things?? I didn't know that!
I would like to paint mine, what kind of paint is used for a PVC inflatable and how does it adhere when the dinghy is deflated?

 

[Pops]

Re: Paint your Dinghy?

From the checking I've done there a several paints designed for inflatable boats. Tuff Coat seems to be the best. I just googled inflatable boat paint. There are several choices.