Stroyer wrote:

I've got a new 15 ft Pelican Explorer that just had it's first river trip...
When it's full of water and there's no shorline, it's a real bear to get
upright and emptied. Some additional floatation would have been a BIG help.

I've been surfing the net, looking at different types of foam, extruded and
beaded polystyrene (styrofoam), polypropylene, etc., but I'm only coming
across manufacturers... Does anybody out there have any suggestions on
where to get the most effective (and cost-effective) foam? What seems to be
working the best?

Another side thought is that I'd like to keep the canoe as "clean" as I can
inside.... fill up the voids under the seats, some in the bow (although I'm
limited there by the foot room requirement), and a good sized block in the
stern. Any ideas on the best ways to shape the foam for a good fit? I'm
scheming on getting some of the styrofoam granules and making by own casts,
then "shrink-wrapping it before I place it and secure it.....

Yes, I'm a newbie, and no, I'm not an engineer... I'm a physicist.... can ya
tell?

IDEAS???




Some limitations here. First, only 15'. I would not consider the spaces
under the seats as "voids," since if one in on one's knees, putting the
rump against the seat & tucking the feet under is a natural way to gain
support while lowering the center of gravity. Perhaps some foam block
attatched under the seat but allowing room for heels & ankles. But hat
would increase the risk of entanglement should a capsize occur. My 20'
Tripper has wedge-shaped flotation chambers in bow & stern. These are
made with a 4-5" screw-out insert so not only is there sufficient
bouancy to keep the canoe afloat, even when a 50# outboard is added,,
but the chambers are a nifty place for shoes, socks, wallets, cameras,
etc. (so long as they're not overcrammed. These chambers are easy to
install. The company that makes them will sell only through established
boating & sporting goods dealers. Maybe the dealers in your area know of
these flotatio chambers.

Yours in the north Maine woods,
Pete Hilton aka The Ent

--
Second-ratedness, unfailing law of:
Never be the first to try anything.
anon.