Save a Sinking Kayak... - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

dgax65 · 04-24-2010, 11:45 AM

Be careful what you ask for. When the manufacturers start installing internal bulkheads and foam flotation several things happen:

1: Price goes up. Rotomolding doesn't do internal bulkheads. Those will have to be installed by hand after molding. Same goes for flotation foam. The hull shapes of SOT kayaks are not as conducive to installation of internal bulkheads as are those of SIK.

2: Internal volume goes down. There will be less space to stow rods or your catch.

3: Modifications become more difficult. You will have to remove or cut through internal bulkheads/foam to route wiring or rudder cables. It will still require some amount of modification to get your kayak just the way you want it for your needs.

It has been proven that, short of filling the entire kayak with foam, the internal flotation devices are not adequate to keep a kayak on the surface AND stable enough to paddle/sit on. At best, it will keep the swamped kayak at the surface so you can hang onto it for support and visibility while you're in the water. You can already achieve that with relatively cheap, easy-to-find materials such as pool noodles, inflatable fenders and flotation bags. The current system gives the owner flexibility to select the level of internal flotation, storage and access that he needs and wants. I would rather have it that way than getting a one-size-fits-all product from the manufacturer.

Just my two cents

dsafety · 04-24-2010, 08:57 PM

Douglas, I am sure you are right on all counts but a modular sealed flotation "bulkhead" that is designed to fit in the unused spaces could be easily designed and installed. It would not have to be part of the rotomolding process but rather a piece that gets put in place just like a hatch cover.

Sure this would add a bit of weight and maybe get in the way of rod storage in some situations but it it keeps a yak afloat in an emergency or saves a life, I think it might be a good trade off.

Bob

04-24-2010, 11:45 AM	#1
dgax65 Guerro Grande Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 629	Be careful what you ask for. When the manufacturers start installing internal bulkheads and foam flotation several things happen: 1: Price goes up. Rotomolding doesn't do internal bulkheads. Those will have to be installed by hand after molding. Same goes for flotation foam. The hull shapes of SOT kayaks are not as conducive to installation of internal bulkheads as are those of SIK. 2: Internal volume goes down. There will be less space to stow rods or your catch. 3: Modifications become more difficult. You will have to remove or cut through internal bulkheads/foam to route wiring or rudder cables. It will still require some amount of modification to get your kayak just the way you want it for your needs. It has been proven that, short of filling the entire kayak with foam, the internal flotation devices are not adequate to keep a kayak on the surface AND stable enough to paddle/sit on. At best, it will keep the swamped kayak at the surface so you can hang onto it for support and visibility while you're in the water. You can already achieve that with relatively cheap, easy-to-find materials such as pool noodles, inflatable fenders and flotation bags. The current system gives the owner flexibility to select the level of internal flotation, storage and access that he needs and wants. I would rather have it that way than getting a one-size-fits-all product from the manufacturer. Just my two cents __________________ Douglas Gaxiola Team No Fish- Amateur Staff

04-24-2010, 08:57 PM	#2
dsafety Olivenhain Bob Join Date: May 2008 Location: Olivenhain, CA Posts: 1,122	Douglas, I am sure you are right on all counts but a modular sealed flotation "bulkhead" that is designed to fit in the unused spaces could be easily designed and installed. It would not have to be part of the rotomolding process but rather a piece that gets put in place just like a hatch cover. Sure this would add a bit of weight and maybe get in the way of rod storage in some situations but it it keeps a yak afloat in an emergency or saves a life, I think it might be a good trade off. Bob