How many noodles?

I just saw the post about the Bodega Bay incident and it got me thinking about pool noodles. I always have noodles in my boat, but I have to be honest, I've never tested it. How many should go in a Hobie TI?

This is a really interesting Topic for me, as I sometimes forget the drain plug.. haven't had much of an issue yet, but my revo is pretty devoid of pool noodles, and other than trying to get on to an east bay lake and trying to dry all those noodles out before going on I'm super interested.

This is a really interesting Topic for me, as I sometimes forget the drain plug.. haven't had much of an issue yet, but my revo is pretty devoid of pool noodles, and other than trying to get on to an east bay lake and trying to dry all those noodles out before going on I'm super interested.

I might shove a bunch in the ass end as i never use that hatch or can even reach it tbh.  Also maybe some along the gunnels up front.  I would like to put a fish bag in the hull up there eventually

As Eric wrote in the other thread:

February 24, 2020, 08:48:24 PM #10

Quote from: Cabeza de Martillo

    Pool Noodles

+1

With enough noodles (two dozen or so) you could've stayed on the carcass of your flooded hull.

Good on you for owning up to this, R_R.

I admit I'm left wondering if you had a radio.  I'm glad you were dressed for immersion and that you received help from a nearby boater.
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If your in a Hobie, beware of your rudder/control lines whilst shoving full of pool noodles 

Alternatively, have anybody ever consider an  'air bag' like device?  In theory, you can get air to fit in contuors better than noodles.  More air space, less water in the hull.  Maybe a heavy duty trash bag?
Like this, but way cheaper and more readily available.  No flame on life vs cost arguments, plz.

https://www.nrs.com/product/42080/nrs-split-kayak-float-bags

On the noodle question, try how many noodles you need to float you comfortably in a pool.   Get noodle per weight ratio, then use that against total load. Feel free to add any adjustments.  At least that's how I do it.

Someone in the other thread said two dozen noodles...I don't think that's even possible.

I think I fit about 30+ on my Santa Cruz Raptor G2.  I could be wrong, but I bought a 40+ noodle box and I only have very few left (but I also bend them and pack them).  Maybe depending on the noodle diameter?

Alternatively, have anybody ever consider an  'air bag' like device?  In theory, you can get air to fit in contuors better than noodles.  More air space, less water in the hull.  Maybe a heavy duty trash bag?
Like this, but way cheaper and more readily available.  No flame on life vs cost arguments, plz.

https://www.nrs.com/product/42080/nrs-split-kayak-float-bags

Only issue with that is anything that could puncture it from random tackle, fish spines, even hardware you've mounted to the boat.

Ya, I thought about that too, but I think a double heavy duty trash bag can handle a protruding screws.  I am only considering this route because if you can fill the hull with air, there will be less water that can get in.  So from displacement point of view, it makes sense.  But does it from practical point of view? But that's why I ask

On the noodle question, try how many noodles you need to float you comfortably in a pool.   Get noodle per weight ratio, then use that against total load. Feel free to add any adjustments.  At least that's how I do it.

wouldn't the density of the boat also matter, 60lbs of stuff thats less dense than water should still float? hobies are made out of a material that is slightly less dense than water, so theoretically it should float... but then you have the drive and all the extras that arent..  i think 12 noodles should be plenty but Im going to ask my neighbor if i can borrow their pool and load a few bricks onto the boat and then fill it with water... im curious now

On the noodle question, try how many noodles you need to float you comfortably in a pool.   Get noodle per weight ratio, then use that against total load. Feel free to add any adjustments.  At least that's how I do it.

wouldn't the density of the boat also matter, 60lbs of stuff thats less dense than water should still float? hobies are made out of a material that is slightly less dense than water, so theoretically it should float... but then you have the drive and all the extras that arent..  i think 12 noodles should be plenty but Im going to ask my neighbor if i can borrow their pool and load a few bricks onto the boat and then fill it with water... im curious now

Take a video   I do agree that 12 noodles seem plenty, my logic is simple, 12 noodles should keep three adults afloat.   But do you want just to float or able to paddle/pedal in a case of leaks?  That's when the displacement alternative may make a difference, i think. 

I would imagine that using air bags could cause uneven floatability (sp? i.e. more air upfront/middle/back, popped bag due to pressure & pointy things, etc). 

I have 24 pool noodles inside hull.  I put 3or4 in sealed long vacuum seal bags.  12 stuffed lengthwise down each side of hull of my thresher140.   Haven’t swamped it yet to test.  But probably should. 

Someone in the other thread said two dozen noodles...I don't think that's even possible.

I have 27 in my T-15 and still have room for rod, tackle, food, drinking water etc.