Re: [Paddlewise] in search of the perfect paddlefloat

From: Julio MacWilliams <juliom_at_cisco.com>
Date: Wed, 18 Mar 1998 10:36:12 -0800 (PST)
Well, that is an idea. I do not see the use of putting a VHF antenna
on paddlefloat, but a hollow solid paddlefloat could be used to carry
a first aid kit, flares, survival kit, etc. 

Putting an internal sheet of aluminum foil should serve as a radar
deflector, but according to Derek Hutchinson's book even a commercial
radar deflector on the deck of a kayak is sitting to low to be effective.
He says that a ball of aluminum foil wrapped on the tip of a fishing pole
is way better. If I knew someone who had a boat with radar I could 
test that.

By the way, the paddlefloat I made last weekend is a lot smaller than
the float the Greenlanders use, but not very small either. It is about
18x8x4.5 inches = 2.8 gallons; it could very well hold that envelope
thermal raft that I talked about in previous mails, if anyone ever gets
to make one.

What I have in mind now is box that serves as paddlefloat, first aid/signalling
devices/survival kit, and storage for a survival raft. Of course, the
Greenlanders could still use it to hunt seals like they use to do. :-)

- Julio

>      Or maybe you can incorporate some mylar film in the design and create 
>      a radar reflector for SAR purposes, too.
>      
>      Jack
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Received on Wed Mar 18 1998 - 10:33:33 PST

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