Re: [Paddlewise] Custom Cockpit update [lead shot?]

Kenneth Cooperstein wrote:
> As to Craig Olson's assertion that wood and water ballast *will* affect
> boat buoyancy, we are talking about different things.  I am concerned
> about buoyancy when swamped.  If you add lead ballast to your kayak and
> it fills with water, it could sink, whereas before the lead was added it
> might float -- unless you provided additional floatation.  If you add
> water or wood ballast, then you don't have to increase floatation
> because both are neutral or buoyant in a swamped boat.

Hmmmm.  Are you really saying that you do not have 50 lbs. or so of extra buoyancy
on board at all times, even when swamped?  If so, it would seem clear that your boat
is not equipped with secure flotation at both ends.  Having water-tight bulkheads &
hatches is not enough to qualify as "secure" flotation, as hatches & bulkheads can
leak and hulls can be broken.  

When fully loaded, the dry bags within the front & rear cargo areas provide ample
flotation for you & your gear.  When empty, use inflated drybags in the cargo areas
to achieve the same purpose.  For boats without bulkheads, the dry bags must be tied
into the boat to prevent them from coming out in a capsize or swamped situation.  

> For example, if you added 64 lbs of lead to a boat, you would need to
> add a 1 cu. ft. air bag to float that lead it if you swamped.  

See above.  If you don't have an extra 64 lbs. of secured buoyancy, then your boat
is not properly outfitted and could be in trouble if you get swamped.  You might
want to consider using sponsons - since we all know they're not affected by gravity.
 :-)

Craig Olson
Bellingham, Washington
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