Re: [Paddlewise] Floatation bags vs dry bags

From: John Fereira <jaf30_at_cornell.edu>
Date: Fri, 08 Apr 2005 15:08:14 -0400
At 02:48 PM 4/8/2005 -0400, John MacKechnie wrote:
>I've read numerous times that folks sometimes rely on dry bags for 
>flotation in concert with flotation bags or by themselves on occasion.
>
>Has anyone observed the efficacy of these two forms of flotation in a kayak.
>
>My guess is that the dry bags will not  be as efficient as dedicated float 
>bags.

Flotation or drybags usefulness isn't so much related to how much buoyancy 
they add as much as the the fact that they displace water that would occupy 
the space if the bags are not there.  Most kayaks and canoes are going to 
be close to neutrally buoyant, so while a small floatbag with nothing in it 
but air will keep the craft afloat, you might not be able to actually 
navigate the boat if the rest of the cockpit filled with water.  Whereas, 
dry bags filled with gear may not add much in the way of floatation, but 
the fact that they displace water will allow the boat to be paddled after a 
capsize and the boat righted and reentered. 
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Received on Fri Apr 08 2005 - 12:08:23 PDT

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