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newbie questions on flotation on a CS17


tfrei

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Hi,  I acquired a stock CS17 (hull # 218) in the fall of 2015 and have been working on getting it ready for the summers here in northern Minnesota. With the seats down and the forward and stern hatches, it would seem to have plenty of initial flotation during a rollover or capsize.  Is this sufficient, or should I add foam or airbags (?) into these cavities for a more safe flotation system?  Thanks for your help in advance.

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I have the same boat and believe it comes down to how well the hatches are constructed and your expectations for how long you want to be watertight.  For me, the solution was to make the bow storage area absolutely watertight and accept that the seat hatches (not built to plan) will leak some if the boat remained on its side or was somehow swamped. 

Adding foam may create problems with rot but inflated bags that can be removed for inspection seem reasonable if you want some extra confidence. If you poke around on the forum I think you'll find examples of capsize testing that demonstrate things are fine if the hatches are properly built.          

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The stock CS-17 floats pretty darn high in a knock down, if the cockpit lockers have good seals and latches. If not, she'll sink down to, nearly the centerline fairly quickly. As designed, the floatation chambers will do fine. I built a pretty modified CS-17 and made about 850 pounds of buoyancy in 4 cockpit seat chambers. This does count the air trapped under the foredeck, nor the cockpit seat lockers. Foam or bags aren't necessary, if the chambers are sealed. I used simple 1/4 turn, 6" deck plates to seal the chambers.

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I have been experimenting with empty wine bladders from boxed wine.  I installed a bunch in the forward lockers over a year ago, and they are still full of air after surviving a New England winter and summer.  Lots of potential here with cheap, removable flotation bags; and getting there is half the fun...

 

That said, there is ample buoyancy with the hatches closed.  Just be certain that the hatches are solidly shut and sealed as others have stated.  

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I have rolled a CS17 180 degrees (not a test) without sealed seat hatches and the forepeak and lazarette flotation was more than adequate.  Having said that, it would have been better if the seat hatches had been sealed.

I wouldn't bother with bags but I won't tell you not to ;)

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