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Chris Norman: I am trying to find the best way to add floatation to my boat. Since the only boat I have ever seen is the one I am building, I am looking for options.
My boat is in the rigging stage so some choices will require that I cut open a portion of the boat. Currently, I am looking at using liquid foam forward of frame #2. Thanks, Chris #74Kim Granbery: Hi Chris, I would look into the weight of liquid foam up there and possibly consider just having enclosed air space with an inspection port as suggested by Lee Edmonds. The most important place to have flotation is on either side of the engine. Myself and others have been providing around 2 cubic feet on either side of the cockpit between frame 5 and the transom. Popular options are: Opti sailing floatation bags available at a reasonable price from Intensity Sails, enclosed floatation chambers, enclosed floatation chambers with foam and Hippity Hop Children’s Bouncy Balls (my personal favorite) I would send you a picture of my rig but my boats are down in VA awaiting the Urbanna Cup. Anybody else have some pictures to send?
Kim Granbery: Will send some pictures from my files when I figure out how to do it.
Lee Edmonds: Since CLC CCRs have built-in floatation, I’m guessing you are building from CCWBRA plans. Also, since you’ve signed up for Urbanna, you probably want to get the floatation installed yesterday. The floatation bags and balls that Kim mentioned, effectively tied in, work very nicely. Tie-in straps can be simple or complex, whatever works for you and that you can convince a race inspector that they will hold the bags in place in the event of a flip.
Without going into all the pros & cons of foam floatation vs. air tanks, I’ve opted to seal off Frame 2 (using no foam), and use a 4″ inspection port for ventilation when out of the water. Not difficult. Doesn’t weigh much. Works. Our next CCR will have more floatation aft. But that’s another story. See you in Urbanna, Lee
Fred Allerton: As Kim and Lee say, a few CCR boats have Optimist floatation bags stuffed under both side decks. They are available in 48L and 43L capacity. Boats #28 and #53 have steering cables routed under the decks, which reduces some of the available space for the length of the Opti bags, so the shorter 43 liter bags are stuffed into compression sacks to help fit the bags in between cable returns. If your cable is on top of the coaming as most are, then you shouldn’t have that problem. The bags are buckled-in under both side decks with straps. You have to tie them down good – otherwise they take right off with all the helium. Oops- I mean air! Annapolis Performance Sailing is another source for bags. OptiParts for full product line information: http://www.optiparts.com/products/ airbags.asp Fred #28
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