Easy pool noodle installation

[Sledge]

Ok I know this has been talked about a lot but has the group come to a consensus on how many pool noodles we should be putting in our hulls.   I am trying to get my Outback ready for the ocean.   I was in Walmart the other day and they had them on clearance for a dollar a pop for the monster ones.  I bought the last 8 they had.   I put 5 in my hull and I think that should be good but there seems to be many different opinions. 

Thanks

Steve

U need to fill your hull up with water and see if it sinks...that's what I did... I used 16 small on my 10'6 pelica...I have 21 in my revo...might add more...

[Dale L]

I have 18 and like Sledge will probably be fitting more in this winter.  In a T13 I figure I can probably get 24 in without seriously affecting in hull storage.  Their weight is negligible, and the higher you float the better.

[snapperhead]

You're not going to paddle a kayak if it's flooded.

The idea is to keep it afloat so water can be pumped out, or at least keep it on the surface in the even of a catastrophic failure.

Pool noodles are only going to keep your yak from sinking not keep it at a level it can be paddled; the same as the flotation in boats.

[borntofish]

wow... I thought I had maxed my yak out with six large and 10 small noodles..  guess I will rethink that.. thanks again for an idea I would never thought of myself.  this site rocks.. 

[outback]

Those $2 add up...  next thing you know you coulda bought one of these:

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/55603?pi=930407&qs=3012739-Google_Base&subrnd=0 

Not to discourage anyone from stuffing their hulls with pool noodles, but if I had to do it over this is the route I would have taken.

The float bag in the above quote is designed specifically for kayaks and that's why we prefer this method of floatation.  In fact, we sell a similar NRS bow and stern set at our shop. As TwoBooCoo pointed out pool noodles do add up, but I must admit that float bags are not cheap either.  Float bags allow for a cleaner setup and they usually fit well in the bow and stern of most kayaks and conform to the shape of your boat. They are also easily installed, removed, and cleaned.  Float bags come in many sizes, from super small ones for whitewater playboats, to huge ones for whitewater canoes. 

I'm glad people are aware of the need to have floatation inside their sit-on-tops, but don't forget the bilge pump!  Without a bilge pump, paddling a flooded kayak is a real challenge no matter how many pool noodles you have . Beckson makes one of the best and most reliable hand operated bilge pumps out there, but they do cost a little more.  We carry the Beckson Thirsty Mate with the aluminum reinforced handle and float sleeve.  Stay safe out there!

[Cabeza de Martillo]

Thanks for the easy but helpful idea of the pvc coupler to lengthen the noodles.
I am definitely adding this to the list.

Antonio