: I'm going to try to make some custom float bags this winter. Anyone have a
: source for the little twist valves that come on the ends of the fill tubes
: on commercial float bags and paddle bags?

: TIA,

: Shawn

Sevylor part #SPK (probably stands for Spare parts Kit) has spare valves as well as patching materials. You can probably get this from any sporting goods or boating store that handles any Sevylor product. Or, you can order direct from their catalog or website:

http://sevylor.com/html/accessories__page_3_.html

You might use standard tire inflation valves. Get an old innertube for a bicycle tire and cut off the valve. Leave about an inch or more of rubber around the base of the valve. You should be able to glue these onto your float bags with a glob of Shoe Goo, Barge contact cement, or any other adhesive that will stick to both of these materials. To make it look neat, punch a hole in the bag and insert the valve from the inside, sealing the ring of rubber to the inside of the float bag.

You could try using a short section of ordinary vinyl tubing attached with your solvent. Roll a cone from a scrap of your fabric to serve as a connection between the tube and the rather flat surface of the float bag. Or, use gentle heat to flare one end of the tubing so it flattens and spreads to give a good wide gluing surface. Once the bag is inflated you can plug the tube easily.

make your own inflation "tube" from 2 pieces of 2 foot long by 3 inch wide pvc material. Solvent seal these together with seams 1/2 inch wide along the length, and insert into an edge on your float bag. inflate the bag by gently blowing into this flat "tube", then seal things by folding it 2 or three times and securing it with a plastic clamp (a piece of PVC pipe with a slit in it should do -- won't rust and it is cheap).

Hope this helps.

PGJ