Removable Flotation

[Shooter]

I cut one of my pool noodles. My cuts aren't perfect and it looks as though I'll end up with a rough edge. If two slices are pressed together with rough edges, they will form little pockets where water can get trapped. Darn it.

Ping pong balls are actually a good idea, but I can't get them through the stringer hole. Mr. Moose would love it

I think I'm worse than my wife trying to pick out paint colors.

Regarding the bike intertube, they are quite heavy.....but there is definitely a LOT of different sizes to choose from and they are very removable! Stuff it in, fold it, and blow it up.

[Jeepers]

I saw a couple of nitro boats running last week end one guy had those inflatable arm floats for kids in his hull.

[longballlumber]

Mr. MOOSE!!!!!!

That is FUNNY... I would bet that no more than 10% of the people on this board know what your talking about or even know what TV show your talking about....

Good stuff!

[Boaterguy]

...?

[egneg]

...?

Captain Kangaroo Show ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSpPyTNSlTU

[longballlumber]

Captain Kangaroo Show ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSpPyTNSlTU

Ding Ding Ding.... we have a winner!!!!!

Later
Mike

[Shooter]

I forgot about bunny!!!! (no, not the G-freak girl).

[Shooter]

I'm using noodles and pipe insulation for now, but just stumbled on this idea....

These punching balloons might take the shape of the sponsons nicely at low pressure. They are thick wall as well. If you want them out, simply deflate and pull. Install new ones in minutes! I'll give it a try when I get some time.

They probably won't withstand a fire though ....and that happens sometimes.

[Boaterguy]

Condoms work too, I use balloons but I hear condoms around a receiver work well. (sorry, the shape of the balloons just made me think of it :)

[Shooter]

I didn't want to go there, but you are right. They are close to the right size and shape for a small hydro.

I'm envisioning one inflatable per side that is very close to the shape of the inside of the sponson to make it simple and easily removable.

I think there is a benefit of having the rubber material near final shape before it is inflated so we can use it at low pressure with minimal expansion...like the punching balloons.

[Shooter]

I saw a couple of nitro boats running last week end one guy had those inflatable arm floats for kids in his hull.

That's a good idea! Might look into those as well!

[martno1fan]

For bigger boats you can use wine bags just inflate to the size you need after drinking .
Mart

[Shooter]

For bigger boats you can use wine bags just inflate to the size you need after drinking .
Mart

That's exactly what I'm looking for. Something that will take the shape of the hull (low pressure). I came across these inflatable bats that might work.... more along the lines of the arm floats (thickness and durability wise).

[British Bulldog]

This comment might be a bit late in coming, but its another suggestion to the list of methods used for buoyancy, and in some cases self righting,

Take some normal polystreane packaging, and shape to the space you want to fit, using PVA exterior glue if you have to use multiple parts to create the shape, be sure to make the pack only a tiny bit smaller then the spare it sits in, looking the thickness of sticky tape basically.

Once the shape is made and fits snugly, to water proof the poly to stop water absorption, carfully take some masking tape (thats the off white paper type tape used in DIY) now using this masking tape cover the polystreane with it in strips (masking tape comes in a range of widths, i like to use the 2" stuff to keep weight to a minimum along with overlapping tape with smaller widths) once the buoyancy pack is taped up take some Exterior PVA glue (wood glue is best) and give the pack a good coat, and wait to dry.
Masking tape will absorb the PVA creating a water proof floatation pack, now slot it in place and bingo jobs a good un,

If you not sure on what masking tape i'm on about its this one....(USA GUYS) , (UK Guys you know where to get it!) http://www.qualitytapesupply.com/sup...ade-6-mil.html not the tamiya masking tape...

The advantage of this method is if you have a taller 'cabin hatch' you can use this method in the hatch to help with self righting, Ok its not the lightest method for buoyancy but its definably a good contender (the weight really is minor), over other methods that can leave a lot of gaps, expanding foam is pretty much a waste of time, many forget that the spray in expanding foam even after its initial expansion, a few hours in the sun or under decent lighting can expand again, this can lead to cracking and distortions of the hull,(even more so it the foam is behind a full bulkhead and no room to move) which is not good, its also a PITA to remove if you have to do an internal repair.

The air packs are a good method, but they don't fill up all the space due to there shape, so its not 100% effective, it works do doubt but still traps water, and they do loose there effectiveness over time as they age and the plastic weakens, air escapes etc, constant replacements are being looked for.

Give it a try you can probably do it for free as all the materials that are used should be in most peoples garages, It only costs you time.

I will be using this method on my build in a few days once my hulls arrived and i start the build ( which I will blog on the forum) and its a method that's never failed me in 20 years of boating!

Regards Bulldog

[HTVboats]

PING PONG balls are the best when your building and putting a hull and deck together. Pool noodles cheaper and adapt with trimming. I have also used IV / gas bags. Put them in with a short tube, blow them up and plug the tube. You can also use them filling or removing water that won't slosh for balast or trimming weight for windy days.
Mic