I have filled the locker under the v berth of my M15 with empty 2 liter coke bottles. I have also installed latches on the cockpit lockers and they are always latched and secured with a snap lock. I have the factory installed foam under the cockpit. When the weather gets rough, I put my hatchboards in place and secure them with the latch. My thinking is the air in the cabin will keep the boat afloat long enough for me to get on the keel and right the boat. I also sail my M15 as if I were sailing a dinghy, one hand on the tiller and one on the main sheet. I am normally in areas where there are no other boats and miles from land. I always wear a PFD have a PLB on a tether in my pocket and recently added a PFD with harness and a short tether to keep me onboard. If the boat floats, great. If not, I am still going to probably survive until the Coast Guard arrives. Sent from AOL Mobile Mail On Wednesday, September 12, 2018 Steve Trapp <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> wrote: I disagree, having been a past volunteer on Harbor Patrol and having had to haul dead bodies out of boats that did not float, I would not take my M-15 out of the boat slip with adequate floatation from foam blocks or other flotation. Steve M-15 # 335 -----Original Message----- From: Dave Scobie Sent: M onday, September 10, 2018 2:07 PM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: Re: M_Boats: floatation foam Tyler (and others following along):
foam chunks on small sailboats exist for legal purposes only
A boat such as a M15 is under no legal requirement to have positive flotation. :: Dave Scobie :: M17 #375 SWEET PEA - m17-375.com :: M6'8" #650 :: SV SWALLOW - sv-swallow.com On Mon, Sep 10, 2018, 1:52 PM <casioqv@usermail.com> wrote:
I assume the foam chunks on small sailboats exist for legal purposes only, but are not intended to *actually* be left in place or else they would be permanently fastened to the hull. Wouldn't free chunks of foam just float out the companionway if the boat were swamped, instead of actually floating it?
To make an M15 actually buoyant with less weight, I'd think inflatable buoyancy bags as used on dinghies would work better. If you get a big one and inflate it after putting it in a compartment it can't come out, plus it will weigh a lot less than foam. You could also strap down the bags (or foam) w/ nylon straps, to keep them attached to the boat.
Sincerely, Tyler
----- Original Message ----- From: "scoobscobie" <scoobscobie@gmail.com> To: "Bonnie Kostka" <bonniekostka@sbcglobal.net>, "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, September 5, 2018 9:26:43 AM Subject: Re: M_Boats: floatation foam
Bonnie.
You need to call around to local plastic supply places to see whom will sell you a large block of polystyrene. You then cut this up to small pieces and put them under vberth. larger blocks under cockpit.
Take out your stinky foam to figure volume needed for new.
Online may also work but shipping is an issue - I bet shipping more than the foam!
Another option is to fill area with pool noodles. With shipping for a polystyrene block this method may be cheaper
:: Dave Scobie :: M17 #375 SWEET PEA - m17-375.com :: M6'8" #650 :: SV SWALLOW - sv-swallow.com
On Wed, Sep 5, 2018, 9:19 AM Bonnie Kostka <bonniekostka@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
Does anyone know where you would buy replacement foam & what size or amout of foam to buy? Moonbeam (M15)Bonnie Kostka