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Custom PVC Foam/Fibreglass Float

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Kieranw92

Member
Apr 26, 2020
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I looked around for a float that was solid and could hold a catch bag, guns and be used as a reef or bluewater float.. I couldn't find any so I decided to build one.

This is my custom made spearfishing float that i've been making for the past few months.

Made from 4 layers of 25mm (1inch) pvc closed cell foam and then shaped by hand using sandpaper.

Covered in one layer of surface tissue and 2x layers of 450gm (1.5oz) chop strand cloth and laminated using polyester resin.

Top coat is red flowcoat.

This is my first fibreglass project and has taken me a lot of trial and error to get to the final stages.

Has a large hole through the front for a float line attachment.

Had a pop up container but then didn't like it, so used a canvas bag but also didn't like it.. So I had a custom made vinyl insulated bag made up as the catch bag which I can put ice in so the fish won't spoil when put in.

Will also have webbing around the sides to carry it or hold onto in the water.

Will have a small dive flag on the front.

Will also have 2x bungee cords on the top on each side to mount my spare large gun and my small crayfish gun too.

I'm about 95 kg and me laying on it in the pool pretty much keeps the top of the float level with the water.. So I think it will be able to handle bluewater fish easily.

Hope to be finished soon!
 

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Cool :) A forum member in California designed and manufactured an impressive solid plastic float a few years ago. I think it used similar construction to SOT kayaks. Several members bought them. I think it included storage. A solid "planche" style fish-box float.
 
Cool :) A forum member in California designed and manufactured an impressive solid plastic float a few years ago. I think it used similar construction to SOT kayaks. Several members bought them. I think it included storage. A solid "planche" style fish-box float.
Cool, have you got a link for that? I did find something when I searched, but it said page not available anymore.
 
I made something similar about 10 years ago and posted pics here. There is 1/8inch marine grade mahogany plywood underneath the fiberglass on the upper surface. Here are pics of it this morning. It's fiberglassed styrofoam, 34X17X4inches thick. If I were to do it again, I would permanently sink a waterproof box into the top, and make for better attachments for a spare gun. It's interesting to see how designs vary. Cheers from Costa Rica!
 

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I made something similar about 10 years ago and posted pics here. There is 1/8inch marine grade mahogany plywood underneath the fiberglass on the upper surface. Here are pics of it this morning. It's fiberglassed styrofoam, 34X17X4inches thick. If I were to do it again, I would permanently sink a waterproof box into the top, and make for better attachments for a spare gun. It's interesting to see how designs vary. Cheers from Costa Rica!
That looks pretty cool! Mine is mainly used as a catch bag so I don't have to swim back to the boat but yours is about as close to what i've made that i've seen yet!
 
I made something similar about 10 years ago and posted pics here. There is 1/8inch marine grade mahogany plywood underneath the fiberglass on the upper surface. Here are pics of it this morning. It's fiberglassed styrofoam, 34X17X4inches thick. If I were to do it again, I would permanently sink a waterproof box into the top, and make for better attachments for a spare gun. It's interesting to see how designs vary. Cheers from Costa Rica!
That looks pretty cool! Mine is mainly used as a catch bag so I don't have to swim back to the boat but yours is about as close to what i've made that i've seen yet!
Great design and effort put into your board. There is a company in California that makes a commercial product similar to your design: https://www.banksboard.com/
They're faily popular for shore diving out here
That banks board is a pretty nice product! I don't like that the catch bag isn't insulated or have sun protection.. I can put ice in mine to keep fish cool.
Also I think mine would have double the buoyancy. Looks super light though which mine isn't.
 
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