A dire event

I agree that pool noodles are not the ultimate answer. I like to use them because they are easy to work with and I am able to customize hull interiors and still allow for storage. I have inflatables, but they have limitations and Boyle's gas laws are in effect with their use. Mini-cell foam is my favorite and ill most likely be upgrading my boats with it even its just the bulkheads.
Still, I don't believe that is necessarily about the material used for floatation as much as the elimination of dead space. At a minimum, bulkheads should be in place and Ive never been able to understand while SOT's don't come equipped of the shelf. Its just one of the very simple (risk limiting) things that a boat should have.  Fishing SOTs are getting bigger = more gallons per boat.

Some of my work.

Though I like noodles, the only issue is water in the hull prior to launch at lakes with mussel inspections since water gets easily trapped between the noodles and makes it much harder to dry ... or I have to pull out all the noodles, dry & re-install.  Kinda of a pita but worth it if/when the event of flooding.

 Examples of the 3 primary sources of floatation that I use. Any one, or combination of the 3, can limit some of the risk of having to ditch your boat.

I have considered the use of ping pong balls (in mesh bags) inside of a bulkhead, but I think that system might be best used in salvage type work.

Hope this helps someone.

Alex-
That is quite a story...
I'm glad ur here to tell it

Some of us are getting older,
And our bodies are following,

Though I like noodles, the only issue is water in the hull prior to launch at lakes with mussel inspections since water gets easily trapped between the noodles and makes it much harder to dry ... or I have to pull out all the noodles, dry & re-install.  Kinda of a pita but worth it if/when the event of flooding.

That's one of the reason I have more than 1 kayaks 

When you say floatation,  are we talking about "pool noodles" in the hull?  If so what's the rule of thumb,  cram, cram, cram until no more fit?  I have about 20 or so in my hull with room for a little more.  Bought out every dollar store in my area.  Maybe there is already a post?

A guy on the Hobie forum did some experiments in his swimming pool, and he found that it only takes a couple of noodles in the bow of his Hobie Adventure to keep it from sinking:

http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=13578
http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=13953

I suppose, tons of noodles might help if the hull is breached, since they would displace water (as someone else suggested here). But, if water is coming in faster than you can pump it out, you're not going anywhere anyway. So, I'm not convinced that more is necessarily better...

When you say floatation,  are we talking about "pool noodles" in the hull?  If so what's the rule of thumb,  cram, cram, cram until no more fit?  I have about 20 or so in my hull with room for a little more.  Bought out every dollar store in my area.  Maybe there is already a post?

A guy on the Hobie forum did some experiments in his swimming pool, and he found that it only takes a couple of noodles in the bow of his Hobie Adventure to keep it from sinking:

http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=13578
http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=13953

I suppose, tons of noodles might help if the hull is breached, since they would displace water (as someone else suggested here). But, if water is coming in faster than you can pump it out, you're not going anywhere anyway. So, I'm not convinced that more is necessarily better...

At least you'd have a platform to stay semi dry on top of until help arrives.

Alex-
That is quite a story...
I'm glad ur here to tell it

Some of us are getting older,
And our bodies are following,

Thanks for the well wishes. You are right in that I also need to acknowledge that my mind is younger than  what my body is telling me. Was a little disappointed in my health set back. I was already a month into changing the diet with low carbs and low to zero sugar intake. My range of motion on my shoulder is improving and look forward to my next outing. Can hardly wait is more like it.  . Don't want to rush the progress on my shoulder though.
 I received my paddle flotation aid and searching for a compact aerial flare that would have caught the attention of the coast guard that missed me.

Looks like I will have to settle for the small ponds for now. Maybe some of those mutant trout in Pleasanton.

Alex

So many lessons to take away from this experience.  I think it'd be a good idea to submerge the VHF radio then do a radio check while its nice and soaked.  Never would think twice about the radio failing, but shit happens on the big blue.  Do you think that the reason you couldn't get any response on VHF is due to a malfunction of the radio, not strong enough signal, outside of range?  A PLB is on the list of off-season purchases.  I tend to roll solo for many things, 4wheeling and hiking, so it's almost a mandatory item.

Glad you made it home Bulldog.  Heal up buddy!

So many lessons to take away from this experience.  I think it'd be a good idea to submerge the VHF radio then do a radio check while its nice and soaked.  Never would think twice about the radio failing, but shit happens on the big blue.  Do you think that the reason you couldn't get any response on VHF is due to a malfunction of the radio, not strong enough signal, outside of range?  A PLB is on the list of off-season purchases.  I tend to roll solo for many things, 4wheeling and hiking, so it's almost a mandatory item.

Glad you made it home Bulldog.  Heal up buddy!

Thanks Charles. I am not sure of the radio malfunction just yet. Have not tried radio since. I was in the water with radio probably submerged on my life vest for a good 15 minutes. When I attempted to radio for help on local channel and emergency channel I got no response. Radio was on and was able to channel back and forth. Not sure if it was to much moisture or to low to water ? Will be purchasing new radio to be on safe side. That radio is at least 5 yrs old. Did receive radio check on last outing that it did work. Oh ! When I returned home that day I was worried that coast guard may have been looking for me. I called there number to explain that I had a situation and had radioed for help. I didn't want them out looking for me if they did receive my distress call and I also didn't want a bill if they were out looking for me. They said they never received it. I hate to say it. That is another reason I didn't call the paramedics when I reached land. Hate to say I couldn't really afford that bill if my insurance didn't cover it. Christmas right around the corner and one headed off to college. The sacrifices we make for our family

Wow Alex, I'm really glad you are OK and thank you for sharing your story. Many people including myself will learn much from this thread. I hope it helps some newbs realize just how important the safety equipment is that we use. It is not optional.

Now heal up quick so we can go slay some fish 

Wow Alex, I'm really glad you are OK and thank you for sharing your story. Many people including myself will learn much from this thread. I hope it helps some newbs realize just how important the safety equipment is that we use. It is not optional.

Now heal up quick so we can go slay some fish 

Thanks.
Definitely made me rethink my safety ! I practiced self rescue. Check. Radio. Check. Somewhat appropriate clothing.  . Looking into semi dry top. It never occurred to me if I was injured and needed alternate way to get back into my kayak. Big mistake on my part. I have since purchased assisted paddle flotation and will be looking into stirrup or ladder type aid for the future. I have seen several kayakers with orange safety box that I will be purchasing to store my safety equipment .
Grateful to still be here with my Brothers !!   

Glad you are Okay! Tenacity and Luck.

Glad you are Okay! Tenacity and Luck.

Maybe a bit of the man up stairs giving me a wake up call as well.

Found these flares online. Description not telling if can be ignited by hand or cartridge for gun. Looks to be hand fired. Will look into more. Will add a couple red smoke as well.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Orion-Safety-Products-Aerial-Skyblazzer-II-Marine-Flares/21783782

These look like the hand operated flares that I carry when back packing.  Incidentally, I started carrying one in my PFD pocket about a month ago.

These look like the hand operated flares that I carry when back packing.  Incidentally, I started carrying one in my PFD pocket about a month ago.

SOLD ! I will be purchasing tonight. Plus a red smoke flare.

I think I need to thank El Nino for the warmer water as well .