Here's the relevant regulations on flotation requirements: https://www.uscgboating.org/regulations/assets/builders-handbook/FLOTATION.p... Sailboats, defined as any boat with sail as 'primary' propulsion, are exempt. Interestingly, canoes & kayaks & some other specific boat types are exempt: "Sailboats, canoes, kayaks, inflatable boats, submersibles, surface effect vessels, amphibious vessels, multi-hull boats and race-boats need not comply." But as the regulations state, there is no restriction on providing more flotation than legally required... And then in subpart H it says "Outboard Boats Rated for 2 Horsepower or Less and Manually Propelled Boats" need to comply with "MODIFIED LEVEL FLOTATION" requirements. So there is a vaguely defined category of "manually propelled boats" that is supposed to comply, even though canoes and kayaks are manually propelled and are exempt. Rowboats and sculled boats, theoretically? And SUPs, theoretically. But the regs are 2003 so not up to date with all current types of recreational craft. CLC Boats' Southwester Dory makes this regulation explicit...it's the first boat Harris ever designed to intentionally (but optionally) accommodate a small motor (and only because so many customers kept asking about putting motors on other CLC boats). In his narrative about it he mentions the legal requirements for flotation as part of the design parameters. So I guess this applies to kit manufacturers as well as finished boat manufacturers. The usual bureaucratic confusioin...when in doubt, use plenty flotation! cheers, John S. On 09/12/2018 10:11 AM, Steve Trapp 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: Monday, 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
-- John Schinnerer - M.A., Whole Systems Design -------------------------------------------- - Eco-Living - Whole Systems Design Services People - Place - Learning - Integration john@eco-living.net - 510.982.1334 http://eco-living.net http://sociocracyconsulting.com