Woodlore Australian hootchie- question

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Tracker NTS-054

Forager
Sep 8, 2013
172
0
Nottinghamshire
Hi all, just got back from an overnighter in the hammock with the auscam hootchie I bought from Woodlore some time ago. I rarely use it and opt for my much lighter cheap tarp I've had for years and use everywhere. But I decided to take the 'good' one as I expected a storm...

The storm came and I was happily hanging under my trustworthy hootchie, and then it started to leak from the ridgeline loops in the centre... :/ it wasn't gushing in, but whenever the rain whipped the tarp I felt several cold spots form in synch beneath each ridgeline loop..

Has anybody else had this problem with the Australian hootchie before?
Cheers, Lewis
 

PDA1

Settler
Feb 3, 2011
646
5
Framingham, MA USA
Wherever there is stiching on a tarp e.g. loops or seams, there will be needle holes which need to be sealed. Use any silicone sealer (caulking) thinned with a solvent and painted onto the pinholes - both sides.
 
Nov 29, 2004
7,808
22
Scotland
"...But I decided to take the 'good' one as I expected a storm... "

Mine is seldom used these days too. What everyone else has said, I used silicon sealant. :)

Edited to add:

If anyone is ever looking for a lightweight tarp that is also robust, I'd recommend the Hilleberg UL10, lighter and (in my experience) tougher than the Woodlore hootchie. :)
 

the interceptor boy

Life Member
Mar 12, 2008
485
0
Angleterre.
mixed two spoons of waterproof silicone with 4 spoons of white spirits until the liquid is runny and clear the go all over all your stitching on both sides. for now in winter. in the summer on a very hot day. you can go over the whole tarp on both sides which will last you a few good years. then just keep topping the stiching now and then. just make sure you buy Waterproof silicone Sealant.
cheers the interceptor boy.
 

R3XXY

Settler
Jul 24, 2009
677
3
Crewe
I'm not entirely sure but I'm about 99.9% sure that anything with silicone in it will be waterproof, don't they use silicone BECAUSE it's so hydrophobic ?

If you're not sure just buy bathroom sealant.
 

Tracker NTS-054

Forager
Sep 8, 2013
172
0
Nottinghamshire
Yes, most readily available compounds of Silicon are waterproof because it's so hydrophobic, but I don't know if this stuff needs to be mixed with a solvent first or used neat.. I don't want to end up with a sticky mess all over my expensive (far too expensive IMHO) but beloved hootchie :p it says that it's clear in the description so I take it that it should be fine to use from the tub.. ATB

Edit: is the role of the solvent to simply thin the mixture enough to be painted on to the tarp? In which case I may as well buy it and see when it gets here.. I'll stop being a tight git now and just get it..
 
Last edited:

the interceptor boy

Life Member
Mar 12, 2008
485
0
Angleterre.
yep that will do. I only use waterproof silicone these days . non waterproof silicone is hydrophobic but tend to peel off than waterproof silicone. something happens when it is mixed with white spirits or turpentine. or buy a tube of tarp sealant abd go all over your stitching on your Aus Hoot.
cheers the interceptor boys.
 

Tracker NTS-054

Forager
Sep 8, 2013
172
0
Nottinghamshire
yep that will do. I only use waterproof silicone these days . non waterproof silicone is hydrophobic but tend to peel off than waterproof silicone. something happens when it is mixed with white spirits or turpentine. or buy a tube of tarp sealant abd go all over your stitching on your Aus Hoot.
cheers the interceptor boys.

Thanks interceptor!
ATB
 

Tracker NTS-054

Forager
Sep 8, 2013
172
0
Nottinghamshire
Hi all, I know it's an old thread but I've finally got round to doing it this weekend, how much solvent should I use, I.e. How runny do I want the mixture to be? Also how much do I need to paint onto the leaky stitching? Several coats or one generous layer??

ATB, Lewis
 

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