Rehd,

I prefer to use removable floatation to allow the skin to dry out after each use. Float bags work best for this, but I have been known to use chunks of foam (no open cell stuff), dry bags, and empty 5 gallon water jugs. On a kayak that is regularly used, float bags are the way to go. Another option would be a seasock, but I would still want backup floatation. An empty Walrus will not sink to the bottom, but it wont float much more than itself.

Mike

: Hi All

: Well, the conversation below on floatation has me re-thinking my idea on
: floating my Walrus. Just thought I'd run it by anyway.

: I was thinking of useing the spray canned, expanding foam. It comes in two
: different types. A low expansion type, around 2:1 I'm told. Then there is
: a much higher expansion type. Amount unkown. I was thinking that when I
: have the hull covered, I could put some plastic or possibly masonite,
: waxed, into the bow and stern to form a mold the approximate shape of the
: empty cavity. Then, spray the low volume style around on the forms and
: forming a compartment. Letting that dry and removeing it from the forms,
: spraying ( a little at a time of the high volume foam into that and
: letting it fill. When done expanding to fill the form, then fit it back
: into the bow and/or stern cavity and use a little of the low volume foam
: sprayed between the block and the inner sides of the frame to glue it in.
: That way, it wouldn't interfere with the skin, causeing any bulges or
: stretching, or expand the frame out of shape in any way. Thought this
: might be a way to add floatation since there are no bulkheads,
: compartments or hatches to contend with. The Walrus is just a
: play/learning boat till my Great Auk gets done next spring.

: So, what are my choices? Same as below ?

: Rehd