Jack_Martin_at_jtif.webfld.navy.mil wrote: > <SNIPPED> > Second, how many of us routinely leak-check inflatable paddlefloats? > Blow them up to a firm point, wash them down in a soapy water > solution, and look for bubbles or loss of pressure in a few minutes? > With normal wear and tear, these things will develop small leaks which > become bigger leaks. Yes, most are dual-chambered, but will one > chamber "float your boat", and are both chambers sound? Just a > thought. My checks have frequently resulted in finding air leaks --- > try yours! I don't understand why people in hardshells don't use a rigid paddle float rather than the inflatable kind. The inflatable kind makes sense for someone in a folding kayak in which the rigid type of paddle float takes up roam in the kayak carrying bags. But if you have a boat that can't fold, why have a folding paddle float? They have several advantages. 1) No air leaks. And, 2) no wasted breath in blowing them up in scary conditions. It is amazing how being scared makes you a bit short of breath especially as water is gushing up close to your mouth and nose and you feel the shock of cold water against your lungs. I have often thought of getting one for any boat I am leaving assembled for long periods. They make good seats too on rocky beaches. ralph diaz -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024 Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com "Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue May 05 1998 - 06:22:17 PDT
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