: I am trying to decide on the best flotation system to use for my kayak (Pygmy
: AT 17)
: Currently I use a sea sock, but I think it may not be adequate in severe
: conditions.

: Here are the options I consider along with their pros (+) and cons (-)
: *****
: Option 1.
: Bulkheads and internal hatches (accessible from the cockpit)
: (+) Watertight bulkheads are the floatation standard.
: (+) Unlimited cargo-carrying potential.
: (+) No holes/leaky hatches on the deck.
: (+) Bulkheads strengthen the boat by stiffening the hull (according to some).

: (-) If a bulkhead/hatch fails 1/3 to 2/3 of boat fills with water.
: (-) Added weight to the boat
: (-) Bulkheads weaken the boat by creating stress points (according to some)

: ******
: Option 2.
: Sprayable insulation foam filling the bow and stern sections.
: (+) Permanent floatation that is always working no matter what
: (+) Light, cheap innovative solution that should be easy to
: "install"

: (-) Once in place the area left for cargo cannot be increased
: (-) Not sure how the foam will hold up in the long run.
: (-) Unorthodox solution (has anyone done it).

: *******
: Option 3.
: A few (2-4) cone-shaped and progressively larger rolls of bubble wrap
: encased in plastic tape (to hold the shape) and stuck in the bow and stern
: section.
: (+) The volume of floatation/cargo room may be changed by adding/removing
: cones.
: (+) Always works no matter what.
: (+) Light, cheap and easy to install.

: (-) Not sure how the cones will should up in the long run.
: (-) Unorthodox solution (has anyone done it).

: I am somehow attracted to option 3. I wonder if it has any "legs"
: in your opinion.

: -Tom

: PS. This website could really benefit from search functionality, perhaps all
: these questions have been asked (and answered) before)

Properly installed bulkheads and deck hatches are a perfectly good floatation system. In the VOLKSKAYAK, the bulkheads (usually 1/4" marine ply) are held in place and waterproofed by a heavy fillet of thickened epoxy on each side; each face of the bulkhead then gets multiple coats of epoxy resin. The hatches are cut oversized relative to the deck cutouts, have neoprene gaskets, and are held in place with crossed bungie cords. I've never seen more than a few cupfuls of water in either the fore or aft hatch.

I'd be leery of the spray insulation idea - anything that can trap and hold water or moisture is not a good thing in a wooden boat.

The bubble wrap idea doesn't appeal to me, either - a lot of air space between the layers which will fill withn water (less bouyancy), and if they are removed for whatever reason, you're back to having no floatation...