Bulkheads instead of airbags?

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bambam
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Bulkheads instead of airbags?

Post by bambam »

The responses to my post here:

http://www.cboats.net/cforum/viewtopic.php?t=7958345

made it seem like maybe it wasn't too dumb of a question.

Regrets, I'm not a cboats addict, yet, but I'm working on it.

Making bulkheads in a canoe made of composite material is likely a totally different set of issues.

Has anyone done this with a conventional royalex canoe?

I can imagine any number of issues as well as possible benefits and applications.

Ken Dubel
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Craig Smerda
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Post by Craig Smerda »

bags work mo' betta... seriously.

anyone car for specifics? :lol:
TommyC1
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Post by TommyC1 »

Bulkheads, made well, would work fine so long as you never slam, hit, bounce or otherwise impact the boat.
My boats aren't treated that well.
I think The Splash ( canadian kids OC1) has flotation chambers laid up as part of the hull. Maybe some others?
I wonder given "normal" abuse, how often they require repair?
Jon Serfas
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Post by Jon Serfas »

I have oft wonderd about gluin up some closed cell bulkheads. I know it be pricey but they wouldn't require as much care or need to be replaced as often. You could even leave em in for the ride to the put-in.
Anybody try it? How do they perform compared to bags? I can't think of any negative effects. Wouldn't contract in cold water. wouldn't expand in the Sun. Might look a little cheesy, though.
JON SERFAS
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Taniwha
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Post by Taniwha »

I wouldn't worry about the looks, but the additional weight.

On the other side, water in the boat is still heavier, and rigid flotation might displace water better. But I wouldn't glue them in but still use the straps and cords. Then, if impacting, they are able to give a bit.

Just some thoughts...
"A canoe trip?" he said. "There ain't nothing to go down there for."
"Because it's there," Lewis said.

(James Dickey, Deliverance)
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KNeal
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Re: Bulkheads instead of airbags?

Post by KNeal »

bambam wrote:Regrets, I'm not a cboats addict, yet, but I'm working on it.

Ken Dubel
Well, you keep coming back to the right message board, so yer doin' just fine with developing that addiction! :D

BTW, can you make it to the armada this year? That'll certainly help you along. Get Alicia to join us too!

KNeal
C-boats Moderator

"Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing-absolutely nothing-half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats."
bambam
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Re: Bulkheads instead of airbags?

Post by bambam »

KNeal wrote:
BTW, can you make it to the armada this year? That'll certainly help you along. Get Alicia to join us too!

KNeal
Nope. Sounds fun but I have an adaptive paddling workshop that weekend.

===========================

Thanks all for the bulkhead comments.

Ken
TommyC1
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Post by TommyC1 »

Composite Creations
http://www.compositecreations.ca/

Makes the Splash and another boat they call the Bulldog both with built in flotation tanks.

Al Greve, who posts here, designed the Splash and probably could tell you how the tanks hold up.
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