HiTom,
a cheap solution, at least if you drink wine, is use wine bladders in onion bags.
JohnK

: 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)