11
votes
Can I use a blue plastic tarp to float my vehicle across water?
The whole thing comes down to weight, if your setup can displace more than its weight then it will float, those jeeps were made to be very light. You could be in the situation where your "wrapped car" ...
- 3,280
10
votes
Accepted
What is the difference between a sac liner and a dry bag?
The soft dry bags aren't as good as the stiffer sort anyway. My traditional plasticised dry bag can handle long periods in the water if it's been rolled down properly, but my nylon ones eventually let ...
- 26.1k
9
votes
When should I use spray-on versus wash-in waterproofer for treating DWR garments?
Contrary to what a lot of people are saying, the wash-in treatment won't block pores of multi-layer fabrics (unless it's really dirty).
The chemicals used are designed to break down particulates as ...
- 99
9
votes
Accepted
How to pitch pup tent to avoid puddles
Apart from lengthening the guys on the side panels to get a better angle of pull, the tent can be tightened by raising its support poles.
I use castor dishes in my tent to raise the poles a little bit,...
- 3,908
8
votes
Can I use a blue plastic tarp to float my vehicle across water?
Ok to address your question: Can I use a plastic blue tarp to float my vehicle over water?
Yes
Limits and Considerations:
WILL YOU FLOAT?
First off I will describe the physics of the floating car....
- 882
7
votes
Why is silnylon/silpoly slippery, but silicone sealant is not?
Silpoly is based on polyester, which means it's hydrophobic (doesn't absorb water). Not all slippery materials are hydrophobic, but this definitely factors in. Silicone sealant also repels water, but ...
- 539
7
votes
Can I use a blue plastic tarp to float my vehicle across water?
Based solely on the video you provided the link to, and my experience with blue thick tarp, I have a few things to address. I don't know what kind of tarpaulin you have, how heavy your vehicle is, and ...
- 409
7
votes
Accepted
Can I waterproof a tent just before it rains?
Most products require 24-48 hours of dry time. Some also recommend multiple coats, with some time (i.e. 4 hours) between coats.
Allow article to dry for 24-48 hours Source
We often spray ...
- 30.3k
7
votes
Waterproof safety kit for aluminum boat
That exact safety kit was installed in the little aluminum boat that came with my cottage two years ago. The orange plastic is a lot paler -- it could be 10 or 20 years old-- but whistles and rope ...
- 12.1k
6
votes
Can I use a blue plastic tarp to float my vehicle across water?
In addition to previous answers:
Consider the center of mass. The "modern" car usually are quite front heavy (quite often the engine, gearbox, clutch etc. are all in the front) in contrary to the ...
- 1,747
6
votes
Would waterproofing Styrofoam in a boat make water retention better or worse?
Considering the construction principal: "Water Will Find The Failure," water-proofing barriers must be complete, or provide outlets.
If you seal your object 100%, it's ability to retain water will ...
- 361
6
votes
What is the difference between a sac liner and a dry bag?
Rucksack liners don't require as much sturdiness as a dry bag since they go inside a rucksack/backpack, which gives it protection and structure. As such rucksack liners weigh less than dry bags and ...
- 6,291
6
votes
Accepted
What preparation is necessary before switching between types of waterproofing on leather boots?
Anecdotally, clean and dry is enough. I've switched between Mink Oil, Sno Seal, Scotch Guard, and Kiwi a few times on my 80's Vasque Sundowners, and it's worked for me. I like the wax/oil based ones ...
- 1,124
6
votes
Waterproof safety kit for aluminum boat
Clearly, you need a waterproof container (for small stuff) and a waterproof flashlight. The flashlight is required if you intend to use your boat during the night.
Corrosion is a big problem for all ...
- 1,418
5
votes
How can I keep a water-proof barrel dry for use in a canoe?
Always inspect the seal, the closing ring and the barrel lip when buying used barrels, some are pristine and other have been somewhat abused. In certain cases the seal might look good but, from ...
- 3,280
5
votes
Durable Waterproof Dry Bags
The most durable and waterproof drybags are heavy and stiff. Carrying excessive weights of water in yours is likely to have accelerated damage.
My large kayaking one (too large for regular use) is ...
- 26.1k
5
votes
How to repair dry sack with delaminated TPU
Small areas of damage can be repaired with tape (for example Tenacious Tape), but even with a very robust tape this is temporary in practice. Once the delamination starts it will continue. I ...
- 26.1k
4
votes
What materials are most durable for marine vessel interior resurfacing?
Materials to consider:
Counter tops:
Formica on marine or pressure treated plywood. Working with formica is fairly straight forward. You need a battery laminate trimming tool.
HDPE. High density ...
4
votes
Why is silnylon/silpoly slippery, but silicone sealant is not?
I'm not a materials scientist, so can't give you a definitive answer.
But I do know that if you make your own silnylon or silpoly by soaking the base fabric in a solution of silicone and mineral ...
- 11.7k
4
votes
What's the difference between water-resistant and waterproof?
In outdoor garments, water resistant means that it will keep you dry in light rain for some time, is not a garment to withstand heavy rain. Water proof means that it will keep you dry in the rain, but ...
- 41
4
votes
Can I waterproof a tent just before it rains?
If one were to discover a leaking section of fabric during a rainstorm, a highly effective solution is to rub wax (candle, ski wax, paraffin, etc.) on the fabric. No need to heat it: rubbing cold ...
- 1,329
4
votes
How to waterproof leather gloves & mittens?
I have had the best results "waterproofing" gloves using Snow Seal which is a wax like product. Putting the gloves in the dryer for a few minutes before you apply the wax seems to help in getting good ...
4
votes
Accepted
How to seal a swimming pool/water hole while camping
It is simply just clay. Clay is very water-impermeable in general. This is the reason unfired and unglazed pots can be used to hold water. Some of the water will be absorbed by the clay, but this is a ...
- 9,729
3
votes
Would Gorilla Glue Work on Goretex?
No, it is not a good solution for foot wear.
While it will bond, it forms a waterproof bond that you can "Sand, Paint or Stain". It is great for many thing you might sand, but not for things that ...
- 30.3k
3
votes
Putting electronics inside a surfboard?
Despite what others have said, your not going to want to 'seal' electronics into the board with fiberglass and resin. How would you access it if it breaks down? What you need is to encase the device ...
- 184
3
votes
Putting electronics inside a surfboard?
You'd install it basically the same way you'd install fin boxes and foot strap inserts (youtube example), surfboards aren't much more than a big block of styrofoam wrapped in fibreglass and resin. ...
- 53.5k
3
votes
Accepted
Can I use a blue plastic tarp to float my vehicle across water?
If your tarp is heavy duty enough, I'd expect it to work. Most blue plastic tarps are fairly thin and weak, so while it might work, it would be risky.
The difficulty is that you will be abrading the ...
- 4,219
Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible