Kayak Flotation, how much do I really need?
 

This is the BWE Don't Over-Think It But If You're Going To Do It At Least Do It Right version.

• Use a scale to weigh all your gear that doesn't float. My gear is 50 pounds.
• Add the weight of your kayaks rigging. My PA14 has about 40 pounds of rigging.
• Don't worry about your raw hull, HDPE has a slightly positive buoyancy.
• Don't worry about specific densities and wet weights, remember this is the BWE version.
• Calculate the buoyancy you need by dividing your gear and rigging weight by the weight of saltwater.

How much foam would Harry need?
90 lbs / 64 lbs per c.f. = 1.41 cubic feet of foam.

How many milk jugs of foam would Jorge need?
1 gallon = .134 c.f., so 1.41 / .134 = 10.52 milk jugs.

How many ping pong balls would Myth Busters need?
1 ping pong ball = .0012 c.f., so 1.41 / .0012 = 1175 ping pong balls.

How many pool noodles would I need?
Mine are 2-1/2" round x 55" long with a 7/8" hole down the middle.
1 noodle = .137 c.f., so 1.41 / .137 = 10.29 noodles.

Each of my noodles provide 8.768 lbs of buoyancy in saltwater (64 * .137).


These numbers are for neutral buoyancy, i.e. it won't float to the surface (ignoring Archimedes' principle). Add more flotation so you have positive buoyancy. A foam mfg. guide I read recommended 2:1 for a safety margin. I would use 10 of my noodles and rely on the factory installed foam blocks in my PA as my extra flotation.

Place your flotation in your hull high and to the sides for submerged stability. Place 50% of your flotation fore and 50% aft of your rigs center of gravity so that it will float level while submerged. Level floating allows you to access your safety gear, allows you to get on top of your submerged rig, and at least gives you a shot at bailing water out. You don't want to have to swim away from the Titanic.


If you want to over-think it you could start with the Flotation Requirements sections of the USCG Boatbuilder's Handbook.

I'd rather lose my kayak than try to stuff 10 noodles inside.

Where the hell am I going to find a .52 gallon milk jug?

Many of us have too much time on our hands.

Good info...but I'm gonna take less stuff out on the water.

is that the 2lb foam? Who wants to add another 94 lbs of weight? I can't pick the damn thing up now. I guess I'll just keep wearing my PFD

You should just stuff you hull with pfds


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I think two of these will workAttachment 19392

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this could be useful information for some. I had to save a kayaker and his son 2 weeks ago in san pedro when their kayak was completely water-logged. good thing they had PFDs and the guy had his stuff strapped and tied together. even his phone and wallet were okay.

Really?!

What happened exactly?

And did you happen to get it on video? Even a crude caricature would do

This information needs to be kept confidential.! All the video needs to be kept secretly hidden from Tony.!

and GEORGE!!!!!

Rather fond on my yak
took about 10 min if I recall correctly
got about 17 inside
with room for 4 rods and other crap still

Even if just for better visibility
when problems arise
or desend

P

outrigger coolers
 

i would sink that 2!


Hey Paul, I should of thought about this better, i only had 5 noodles in my kayak, going to 99 center later

Who has room for pool noodles when that space should be used for extra beer & ice!
You guys have it all wrong.:rolleyes:
Have PFD, VHF & hand pump...
I'd sink the yak too.
Cheers. :cheers1:

this guy is onto something, instead of noodles you could stuff the hull full of cheetos in the bag, they will stay dry and keep you floating until you open a bag, and the beer has neutral buoyancy so that would help. We can carry our salvation with us and still snack and drink our own rescue

Beer cozy's make good floatation
at least your open beer will stay safe

don't forget front and back.

I haven't tested mine fully waterlogged
but my guess is it prob wont be paddle able

but will provide better vis for rescue, and keep it from going down with gear,
and the kitchen sink I always bring

don't forget the swim fins

...

I like the example of the whale pump mounted externally
When you need to pump out from the hatch, its also the place where water wants to get in.
The last thing I want to do in choppy waters is mess around with my hatch open.