[Paddlewise] No bulkheads?

Using air flotation bags is normal for all those who have skin of frame boats.
They don't have bulkheads. I've been paddling skin boats for many years in all
types of conditions with no problem. Training, rolling and messing around the
boats have been filled with water many times. No problem getting the water
out. There are many types of flotation bags on the market. Several are made to
seal after putting your gear into the bags for storage so water between bags
in not a problem.





When building a skin boat I put pulleys into the bow and stern so the bags can
be pulled in and out like clothes on a clothesline. They don't come out unless
you want them out. There are rules for calculating the flotation required.
Generally the use of two bags bow and stern of about two cubic feet each will
give you more than enough buoyancy. Keep in mind that most skin boats a very
light. If made of a wood frame they float without bags. My 18' baidarka weighs
29 pounds so I have more than enough floatation with the bags mentioned above.




Bill Low





Bill Low






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