Re: [Paddlewise] Inflatable vs Foam Paddlefloats

> I would like to know how people feel about inflatable vs foam paddlefloats,
> disadvantages, advantages, etc.
>  
> Tom 
> Excuses only satisfy 
> Those who make them

I use an inflatable, mostly because I can barely find room for 
everything in the boat as it is when we go off on longer trips!

The foam ones are certainly easier and faster to deploy. In icy cold 
water, this could be a life-saver! But they take up space. I dislike 
things on the outside of my boat, which is where most people I know 
of store them. And on longer trips I already have enough stuff on the 
back deck.

My inflatable comes with a two-part air chamber: one one either side 
of the blade. There is a "bottom" and two "sides": I can -- and have -
- used the float as a temporary water bucket for putting out camp-
fires. It holds about a gallon, I'd guess. You can't do that with a 
foam float!

Depending on the model, you may find that foam has more or less 
buoyancy that air. 

The foam is never going to spring a leak and become worthless.

If you've got the space, I'd recommend foam, unless you're space 
limited like I am.

HTH,
-- 
  Darryl
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