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» Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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» Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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» Topic:
Balsa life rafts
http://www.ptboatforum.com/cgi-bin/MB2/netboardr.cgi?cid=101&fid=102&tid=4103
I'm doing some research for a documentary film about surfboard shapers, and I need your help!
Several of our interviewees have mentioned in the old days (1940's and 50's) in the long beach area, there were WW2 surplus life rafts available. These were made with balsa wood in long enough pieces to create a surfboard blank. they would strip the balsa wood from these surplus boats and create surfboards from the wood. This was prior to polyurethane blanks.
We've come across Carley Floats, and it looks like some were made with balsa, others with cork. It sounds like there were other manufacturers? Does anyone have a bit more information?
What we really need though are some original images of balsa life rafts, the exposed balsa, or perhaps some found, surplus life rafts? If the images show them in poor condition that's great, as that's what these guys might have used.
We can't afford to pay for the images, but will credit the photos, photographers, websites on screen. These photos must have clear ownership!
Thank you so much!
Wendi Newman
Surfers and Shapers, the Larry Fuller story
surfersandshapers.com
Posted By: DeltaPT | Posted on: Jun 1, 2016 - 4:41pm
Total Posts: 3 | Joined: Jun 1, 2016 - 4:20pm
You should probably avoid the term "Carley Float" since they relied on metal tubes for flotation. See Al's post here: [url]http://www.ptboatforum.com/cgi-bin/MB2/netboardr.cgi?st=10&nd=20&fid=102&cid=101&tid=2960&pg=1&sc=20[/url].
Posted By: Jeff D | Posted on: Jun 3, 2016 - 5:27am
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined: Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am
Thanks!
Posted By: DeltaPT | Posted on: Jun 3, 2016 - 9:59am
Total Posts: 3 | Joined: Jun 1, 2016 - 4:20pm
Hi Wendi,
I sent you an email with several photos you may use to your email at surfersandshapers@gmail.com
I hope you find them useful.
Jerry
Jerry Gilmartin
PT658 Crewman
Portland OR
Posted By: Jerry Gilmartin | Posted on: Jun 3, 2016 - 1:09pm
Total Posts: 1473 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 11:16pm
Thank you Jerry.......
Posted By: DeltaPT | Posted on: Jun 8, 2016 - 1:27pm
Total Posts: 3 | Joined: Jun 1, 2016 - 4:20pm