Its actually a bit more complex.
At least you would still have your keel. Then just refloat your boat and you're back in business. ;-)
Thank you for the info about the full flotation for boats under 20 foot law. I was unaware of that and my 1977 built certainly didn't follow that rule. I have been wondering where to put the floatation since the boat weighs almost 1700# on a 15 foot waterline. Space is at a premium since there is other necessary as well as optional equipment that should and could be put aboard.
That's a decent looking dinghy vest. Even on our 36.7, several crew members wear their dinghy vests, mostly out of habit from their dinghy days. But they suffer greatly on long hot days. In general, most follow a simple rule. If its not uncommon you will end up in the water, wear a dinghy vest. If it IS uncommon (keelboat) inflatable might be better.
Not all inflatable PFD require maintenance like those with dissolving "pills". Buy one with a quality hydrostatic auto inflator and all you have to do is check the ready-window indicator, and blow them up each year - leave overnight to confirm that they are tight.
No good. You have to be making some way fore reaching to have a stern drogue, slow the boat and hold your bow into the wind.
Yeah-- that's a pretty astonishing photograph. I guess people sometimes just fail to grasp the functional logic of design and apparatus, etc. I doubt the boat is even equipped with jacklines. Hey!--everybody bring your expensive harness and lifevest and we'll just hook into the life-lines!!.That's a decent looking dinghy vest. Even on our 36.7, several crew members wear their dinghy vests, mostly out of habit from their dinghy days. But they suffer greatly on long hot days. In general, most follow a simple rule. If its not uncommon you will end up in the water, wear a dinghy vest. If it IS uncommon (keelboat) inflatable might be better.
But the simple fact is there is no simple rule. Wear what makes the most sense for you.
But I have to say, when I went to that web site you linked, I saw this and threw up in my mouth.
Yea. Every year it seems (during a long wet slog uphill) someone sitting on the rail will have their vest 'pop' due to the drenching. Next time they show up with a vest with a Hammar 1F auto hydrostatic inflator in it.
Jim, there is no level of PPE or high voltage gloves to guard against lightning. There are actually some solar farms that exceed all current Personal Protective Equipment.
Along the lines of what Jackdaw stated, it may not be as difficult as one might first assume. My previous boat was also a 17 footer and had full flotation. The area under the 1/4 berths was sealed, and some area under the bow was sealed off as well. If my calculations are correct, you only need ~60% of the total weight of the fiberglass to be in equilibrium to water minus the weight of the foam. That of course does not address the weight of the ballast. One of the areas that was difficult to use was the area directly under the floor of the cockpit in between the berths. not much fit there, but it could have easily been filled with foam. Your boat has area under the cockpit backrests that is likely available as well. Depending on what your cushions are made of, they can be made to provide buoyancy as well. If your lines don't run through your mast, I would fill that with foam as well - just don't fill it with spray foam or you will not be able to bend it. Having the mast float will help the boat right its self.
