Just to clear my record.......M17 #278.....Auasea.....under my stewardship has no flotation and none is being contemplated. If it comes to it, my plan is to follow Blondie Hasler's suggestion to "drown like a proper English gentlemen". That was in the context of what to do if you fall overboard while singlehanding.......but also applies if the boat sinks out from under you. My interest was far more serious.......a plan/method to keep the beer cold. Howard On Oct 22, 2009, at 11:59 PM, W David Scobie wrote:
well stated bill! i always thought the foam in my 15 would just keep the boat 'floating' when she had no stores. adding up anchors (two), extra lines, personal supplies, food, fuel, outboard, etc. etc. etc. i had no expectation a few cubic-feet of foam would keep the boat 'above water'. the greater danger in puget sound sailing is the 52 degree water 12 months of the year. you are in this water for 15 or so minutes and you have bigger problems that if the boat is sinking. wear that PFD! * steps onto soapbox * the m17 has no foam ... the difference a few feet make because of an rule written to make people 'feel safe'. this is much like the bright orange 'CO hazard' sticker i'm required to post in the cabin. the boat is no safer because of this sticker. make good choices. * now steps off soapbox * dave scobie M17 #375 - SWEET PEA visit SWEET PEA's www-site - http://www.m17-375.webs.com
--- On Thu, 10/22/09, Bill Wickett <billwick@gmail.com> wrote:
Why are we even discussing this? Just in theory, right?? Or maybe it is a slow period on a lot of the sailing forums.
Someone wants to take a very good boat, and build in flotation. Taking up very good useful space on a fairly small boat (15 or 17). With the chance of damaging the boat in the process. Maybe it will absorb, maybe it won't. Maybe it will mildew, maybe it won't. Will it break down in 5, 10, 15 years into gooey, cruddy $#%&"<?. Will it burn even more than an empty boat? Just having it in there, even new, may devalue the boat for any potential resale with who knows what foam in it. Yes, I know, we will NEVER sell, but life happens.
Yes, boats can sink. IF the skipper takes them into danger, or sails them recklessly. Boats can also be refloated, repaired, and reused again. Wear your PFD, every time you go out.
Have at it.
Bill
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