I bought a boat I need to replace at least one of the airbags. I read the rules for slalom http://users.bestweb.net/~keech/oc-rules4.htm
It looks like there is no firm specification on airbag size. "9. Flotation is used to protect the paddler, the equipment, safety personnel and bystanders who may offer assistance, yet should not be so excessive that the open canoeing tradition is compromised." So, how big of a set of bags can I use in an 11' boat?
As I understand rule #11, I cannot add splash rails. Can the decks be wider than the gunwale assuming they are no more than 1.5" outside of the hull? "11. There shall be no attachment to the exterior of the hull between the waterline and the gunwale other than safety lines or grab loops."
I'm guessing that I can make longer than stock decks as long as I am within rule #6. "6. Length of decks: Combined length of both decks cannot be more than 46 percent of canoe length (54 % of canoe length must be open). Decks cannot be longer than 36 inches measured from the end of the hull, or closer than 24 inches to the center of the canoe. No part or attachment of the deck may extend more than one inch above the canoe's gunwale."
there are far too many numbers involved in your post.
the rule as i know it with bags is that they can't bulge over the gunwale at all.
splash rails
can be used, but need to be an inch or less, a friend has a chevron on his bow.
i think thats what i recall.
hope that helps
cheers
-isaac
race boats are so fast, i bet its in the speed wing.
I understand that the bags must be below gunwale level. My question (which I did not state very well originally ) is how long can the bags be? The leaky bags that are in the boat now come from the ends all the way to the saddle.
Splash rails can be used? On the sides of the boat? Cool. That'll help as wet as this boat is
I was already planning on chevrons on the deck to divert water. As I understand they must be 1" high or less.
sorry, i misunderstood, i dont know on that rule, and i also dont know about on the sides of the boat, i just know of the chevron on the deck plates. i think alan b is the person to ask on that one.
cheers
-isaac
race boats are so fast, i bet its in the speed wing.
I need to replace at least one of the airbags. I read the rules for slalom 
) is how long can the bags be? The leaky bags that are in the boat now come from the ends all the way to the saddle.