Removable Flotation

[Shooter]

Trying to think of a way to create easily removable flotation. The application I'm looking at is behind/between stringers and is not easily accessible. Water always seems to get trapped behind or even soaked into foam, styrofoam, spray foam, etc...

Has anyone ever tried heavy duty balloons?? Either the long, narrow type or maybe even a lot of the smaller water balloon size?? They are definitely easy to remove...."pop" and pull out. The only thing I'm worried about is a sharp object puncturing them in a crash or losing retention of them.

Any other ideas? Thanks.

[Fluid]

Use pool noodles, they do not absorb water. Cut them into strips about 1" square and long enough to fill the areas you need filled and stuff them in. You can pull them out easily on at a time with needle nosed pliers, etc. Cheap and won't lose their flotation ability like balloons can.



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[Shooter]

10-4. Never thought to cut them into strips.......that should do the trick!

[Boaterguy]

If you order online, some places package with little bags of air, they can be used but the size can't be changed.

[Shooter]

Good thought. I was thinking of those as well, but they are usually pretty thin.

Another thought was a bicycle inner tube (folded) with the valve sticking through the stringer. The key is that it needs to be removed after the end of the day or boating year....to clean out, avoid mold, etc.... The noodles cut into strips should allow that. Cheap and simple.

There is nothing better than air for flotation, right? Except Helium I guess.

[Boaterguy]

Hydrogen, sparking motors, and lipo batts :)

[monojeff]

If you cut pool noodles make sure you heat them with a heat gun or pass over them with a torch otherwise they will absorb water where they have been cut!!

[Fluid]

they will absorb water where they have been cut!!

Of course they won't, they are made from closed cell foam. At least the ones around here are.


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[dana]

Of course they won't, they are made from closed cell foam. At least the ones around here are.


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[martno1fan]

Poole noodles are not 100% water proof,over time they do absorb water and fuel in gas boats.That said so long as you keep an eye on them you shouldnt have a problem,as you say you plan on removing to allow things to dry out from time to time.The inertube is a good idea
Mart

[longballlumber]

Anyone using ping pong balls!!!!!

Later,
Mike

[Shooter]

I'll have to make sure it is closed cell. I've used noodles in our large gas hulls before (cut to size) and never had a problem.

[Shooter]

Anyone using ping pong balls!!!!!

Later,
Mike

Mr. MOOSE!!!!!!

[monojeff]

When you cut a pool noodle look at the difference in the way it looks from where it is not cut.
The cells do get opened a little bit. It does absorb water some. Its not a big deal as it's does not absorb it like a spong does but it does help to heat them as I mentioned.

I like the black pipe insulation sold at home depot or lowes it is sold smaller then pool noodles and a lot easier to cut to size if needed or it can be folded as well.

[monojeff]

Check your local dollar store for pool noodles they usually start to stock them around this time.
I picked some up last week!