[Paddlewise] Kapok

Craig wrote:



>>>>>> In a similar vein, some 30 years (or so, but who's counting?)
lifejackets
> were not called PFDs and mostly filled with kapok which is a natural
> substance obtained from certain trees that can get waterlogged and lose
> buoyancy over time when exposed to water.
>

You would think that using a substance which can become waterlogged as the
primary buoyancy for a device that is intended to be used in water might
negate some of its useful properties. You would, apparently, be wrong. At
least in bureaucratic terms. Testing has shown that it retains buoyancy
"long enough". Since these things are all but unreachable on most ships I
suppose the question is moot anyway.<<<<<<<<<





I believe Kapok is the commercial name for the fluff from a cattail going to
seed. I believe that in Kapok PFD's the Kapok is contained inside a sealed
vinyl pouch (at least when they are new). The Type I (May West) PFD's are
usually stored under the seats on ferries.
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