Floatation

tom&shan · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 316 Photos: Dakota

Any thoughts from folks out there about YukonChris's effort to take out the floatation in the bow of his C-Dory? I know it wont effect the boat on a trailer, but what about once its in the water - is this a safety issue, or is it just a minor customization of the boat?

TyBoo · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 7:22 pm Post subject:

No problem I can see. My 1987 CD22 didn't have anything up front other than air, nor does my 1996 CD25. I think the foam was put in mostly to assuage the folks who felt it should have it. If someone was depending on that relatively small bit of flotation to save them, well, they should have their affairs in order before venturing out.

Chris and crew are doing some things to their boat that would be ill advised for most people, but they are doing them for a specific purpose and have certainly planned accordingly. (Of course, he sure didn't listen to my raves about the M120 Sport Tabs!). More an issue than removing the foam is adding the extra weight up front. But to make the boat be what they need it to be, it has to be that way. It'll work, and work well.

Papillon · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 7:37 pm Post subject:

I am in full agreement with Tyboo Mike. The little bit of floatation in the 22 hull is just enough to keep the boat almost afloat. It would maybe keep the boat in position long enough for the CG to take pictures for your insurance company.

You would be better served making sure your PFD is in working order and you are wearing it in a time of need.

The one other advanage of the floatation is for damping the sound of waves splashing the hull while underway and at anchor.

With the limited storage aboard the 22 I would not think twice in doing what Chris is doing as long as you took care not to use the additional space to store heavy items.

ORCA · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 7:40 pm Post subject:

Hey TyBoo

Ich bought the Bennett 12"x12", do you think that was a mistake?? Confused

I think the flotation under the V-Berth was a joke !
sure better than nothing, but not really enough in emergency situations... Thumbs Down

I think a big pump does a better job, thats what we used in the Navy.... Thumbs Up

sure a 25 would be better for the trip, but i think we have enough to do
with the 22 on that trip.. Very Happy

My last boats on the yukon river where not as good as the c-dory and
I went to some really really bad weather and survived, of corse with luck,
as always but with 15 years of expedition knowledge too.... Cool

So, I think with common sense and a little bit of luck ,we will make it...
And if not, there is only one to blame, my self... Embarassed

At least i tried it .... Very Happy

Always think positive...

Regards chris

TyBoo · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 8:07 pm Post subject:

oldgrowth · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 8:46 pm Post subject:

CAVU · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 11:52 pm Post subject:

Just to provide a little food for thought: even with a great PFD I would much rather be holding on to the bow rail with a foot of bow showing-than drifting with the wind and current and waves washing over my head. Another small added advantage of having a little bit of boat showing is increased visibility to search and rescue.

thataway · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 11:58 pm Post subject:

Safety wise it would be better to replace that volume of foam (or in reality a bit more) and put in up under the gunnels in the cockpit and aft under the lazarette above the tanks. You could remove the major part of the foam in the aft part which is accessable and leave the foam way up foreward (not sure how much foam there really is). `

Bear in mind that the Tom Cat 255 doesn't have any floatation.

Larry H · Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 2:49 am Post subject:

Just a reminder and many folks know this:

The US Coast Guard has 'level flotation' requirements for boats shorter than 20 ft. Boats over 20 ft do not have to comply .

Level flotation means that the boat will float level, right side up, when it is full of water(swamped) and carrying its rated load of people, motor, and gear.

To achieve this, floatation has to be under the gunnels and bow, high-up in the hull. Floatation low in the hull would cause the boat to roll over if swamped.

oldgrowth · Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 6:30 pm Post subject:

tom&shan · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 316 Photos: Dakota

You can even cut your boat in half in you want. Wink

My original query was just to see what practical value folks thought of the floatation as far as a safety feature of the boat.

starcrafttom · Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 7:04 pm Post subject:

Having something to stand /hold on to is what saved these people. That and a c-dory

As for as what chis is doing, as long as he seals up the space air tight after building whart ever he is buliding he should be fine.

Larry H · Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 10:25 pm Post subject:

Dave,

I respect your opinion on floatation removal by the owner, but anyone contemplating removing flotation should think about the worst case scenario.

If your boat sinks and people are injured and the Coasties or insurance companies get involved, there might be some tough question and answer sessions for the owner to participate in!!

Replacing the lost floatation with sealed compartments or something like fenders sounds like a good idea to me.

Papillon · Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 10:32 pm Post subject:

Larry,
I hear ya...but don't worry too much about the questions afterward.

1) CG doesn't require floatation for boat over 20 foot.

2) If you survive, you won't care what questions they
ask, you will just be glad to hear anyone but St. Peter's
voice.

oldgrowth · Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:44 pm Post subject:

Larry – I have always looked up to you as a person with more knowledge of boating than me and I can understand your concerns about someone removing the flotation in their boat. I agree with you, you want as much safety and protection as possible if the boat sinks.

My comment was meant to reflect the fact that if your boat is 20 ft or more, that no flotation is required. If it is under 20 ft and powered it needs flotation.

If you have a boat over 20 ft, you probably have more people on board than a boat under 20. Why is our government more concerned about the safety of two people on their 18 ft boat than the six people on their 25 ft boat. Could it be politics? If flotation is something our government should force on a 19’ 11” boat, why should it not be required for a boat one inch longer or the non powered 8’ boat?

People have to take responsibility for their own actions and not expect the government to protect them from living.

You have to figure out where your comfort level is in life and live it, with as little government interference as possible.
________
Dave