Collapsible bucket goes beyond the pail
A bit different from the usual deck equipment article, this is nevertheless a useful addition. The age old bucket has been given a 21st century make over, and now folds flat, which means it doesn’t take up much needed deck space.
The material that the Pack-Away Bucket is constructed from is Rhodorsil MM 1870U, a silicone product which vulcanizes under heat after the addition of a chemical agent.
It’s special properties are that despite it’s ability to fold away to less than 5cm, it is resistant to UV rays and direct sunlight and remains stable throughout an extremely wide temperature range which runs from -40°C to +230°C without degrading or distorting appreciably. Linear shrinkage only amounts to 3.2% if the bucket’s temperature is raised to 200°C for four hours. Not likely, even if the bucket was used for cooking.
It’s also very durable. The bucket’s tensile strength is around 80kg per centimetre, while its tear resistance is 23kg per centimetre.
For those concerned about a ‘collapsible’ bucket collapsing at the wrong time, the bucket is rigid and free standing when it’s extended since there is sufficient stiffness in the design. It also has an iron rim buried inside the silicone around the top of the bucket which helps both to maintain its shape and give a very secure fixing for the ends of the handle.
As with traditional buckets, these can be used happily with oils, strong cleaning agents and all the other products that can go with life onboard a workboat.
Although the original silicone is a fairly neutral, semi-translucent material in its natural state, the buckets have certainly got the edge in aesthetics, coming in a choice six colours including red, green and navy as well as a smart black). So, while the buckets can be happily tucked away, they are also going to be easily found if needed in an emergency.
A durable, sturdy stainless steel handle completes the package, providing a bucket which will probably still be there long after the boat has gone.
