Apartment Fishing Rowboat- Converted $12 Intex 200 Inflatable & DIY foam outriggers

This is my apartment fishing rowboat made from a $12 pool toy.
The Intex 200 is advertised as an inflatable boat or raft but it is really just a large pool toy. However, I added a modified rowing platform and some DIY foam outriggers and discovered the little super lightweight Intex 200 is a surprisingly easy-to-row boat that will fit in my small apartment or even under the seat of my car!
I have not seen anyone else build foam outriggers like the ones I made. The outriggers I built would be perfect for a canoe or kayak. I looked into buying an inflatable outrigger or stabilizer commonly sold for canoes and kayaks and they wanted close to $30 or $40 each and the pole to support them was $80. I thought this was not a good idea as my little inflatable only cost me $12 a couple of years ago, although they have increased in price since.
I estimate I used $6 worth of polyester foam boards and $2 of glue. All of the wood was gofer wood I found, scraps people threw out. I purchased the bare rowing frame online for about $60 and converted it by adding wood and scrap neoprene foam I had available. I think I can build a rowing frame from scrap for a lot less and will make a video after I make one.
The Intex 200 inflatable boat, which I am now calling Flipper, rowed very easily, but there was little wind or current or waves to test it. Ideally, you want to use this boat in water conditions similar to a pool. As calm and sheltered as possible.
The wire I used to make sure the oarlocks did not come apart broke and I lost my second oarlock, fortunately, I had my pocket knife and spare line to make a jury rig oarlock.
The floats sat even with the water and rarely interfered with the rowing.
Flipper seems much more stable with the outriggers. There is lots of room for storage under the platform. The assembly is rapid, my design has only 4 knots to tie and two nuts to secure. I find if I have to spend too much time getting the boat ready to go I end up never using it, so the quicker it is ready the better.

I will take Flipper to the pool and do some serious stability tests and also see how easy it is to get back in if capsized.

I will be painting the platform and making a small dolly to transport it easier as the floats and crossbeam are too bulky to carry by hand when carrying the boat and oars at the same time. I also need to add attachments for my camera to make it easier to film.

The speed was surprising. I estimate my speed to have been equal to or greater than I would have had from my 27 pounds trolling motor. This was with little effort. It helps to have good oars.

I will be making a video showing how to make the low-cost outrigger floats so you can use them with your boat or kayak or canoe.

Here is a link to the Intex 200, they have gone up a lot in the last 2 years. I recommend you use an app to notify you when the price goes lower as they fluctuate on Amazon.
I use HONEY
Intex 200 https://amzn.to/2SFORJB

I am still trying to grow my channel. If you like my videos, please share them on social media and forums. I also have a playlist of small boat videos, some of them are mine and but many are videos I have enjoyed made by others about small low-cost boats.

If you appreciate my videos you can always visit Amazon via my amazon store link and anything you buy on Amazon Jeff Bezos send me a few pennies.
https://www.amazon.com/shop/robbshomemadelife
Always check on eBay and other sites to see if items are cheaper than amazon.


I want to thank you guys again for showing up and watching me trying to have a little fun or show you something that might help you out. I made YouTube videos for fun years before they paid a penny and I will continue to do so as long as it is fun and you guys keep showing up.
see ya out there.
Robb Moffett
Robb's Homemade life
https://www.youtube.com/user/mrhulot101

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