Float Bags
Printed From: ProfessorPaddle.com
Category: General
Forum Name: Whitewater Forum
Forum Discription: Open Discussion Forum. Whitewater related subjects only
URL: http://www.professorpaddle.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9718
Printed Date: 09 Oct 2025 at 7:55pm
Topic: Float Bags
Posted By: Tobin
Subject: Float Bags
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2010 at 9:49am
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Spurred by the recent topic, I am curious where people lie on float bags / beach balls. Basically anything in your boat that makes it more buoyant.
Additional options can be added by request. ------------- Sure? |
Replies:
Posted By: dave
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2010 at 9:56am
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Spend the $15 dollars and buy the newer style of float bags. Dont be a cheapskate and buy a beach ball that will not conform to the space or last as long as float bags. I have the newer style of float bags in all my boats and NEVER have problems with them.
Rescuing a boat without them is a bitch...
Remember, if you always have problems with the float bags, then the problem is you and not the bags... ------------- Nomad |
Posted By: dblanchard
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2010 at 10:10am
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This brings up the question of how to provide just enough care for a boat. I think we can all agree that storing a boat vertically on its stern is the best option, but beyond that, do the rest of you always pull out your float bags, sponge dry the boat and the bags?
I worry about mildew, so I'm very thorough, but I also feel some urgency to take the kids off my wife's hands as soon as I get home and I would often like to just stow my kayak and forget about it. For completeness, I store my boat in a garage that says cool for most of the year, but not cold. Your input? |
Posted By: Tobin
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2010 at 10:19am
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Originally posted by dblanchard
This brings up the question of how to provide just enough care for a boat. I worry about mildew, so I'm very thorough, Your input? Swim more! Your boat will never be dirty. I have not taken the bags out of my creek boat in a few years. I just top them off now and again. I can only imagine what is stuffed behind them? ------------- Sure? |
Posted By: shrek
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2010 at 11:47am
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Been boating for five years now. Never cleaned a boat once. Sometimes I splash a little beer in there if a can blows up. I figure thats good enough. I do the same with my car. |
Posted By: dblanchard
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2010 at 12:25pm
| Awesome. My family will love that I can just walk in the door. |
Posted By: jP
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2010 at 3:57pm
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I advocate the use of floatbags for sure. They make rescuing a boat easier for sure and also can provide you with more floatation after you swim -- you can climb up on your boat. Twice my skirt blew and I was able to roll up and/or paddle away from the situation because I had floatbags. Used to underestimate their importance but not anymore. Mine are custom shaped to fit my Eskimo. It displaces all the dead space in my boat. ------------- 🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋 |
Posted By: SupaSta
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2010 at 9:16pm
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Originally posted by jP
That's great JP, but I use float bags as a form of respect and appreciation for the folks who paddle with me. When I was starting out and paddled with more newbies, I rescued bagless boats often and it was a bitch! I would never want to make it harder for someone to get my sorry a$$ and my gear out of the water.
I advocate the use of floatbags for sure. They make rescuing a boat easier for sure and also can provide you with more floatation after you swim -- you can climb up on your boat. Twice my skirt blew and I was able to roll up and/or paddle away from the situation because I had floatbags. Used to underestimate their importance but not anymore. Mine are custom shaped to fit my Eskimo. It displaces all the dead space in my boat. I think it should just be common courtesy.
Dan ------------- Life is short, paddle hard! |
Posted By: SupaSta
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2010 at 9:18pm
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Originally posted by Tobin
.... I have not taken the bags out of my creek boat in a few years. I just top them off now and again. I can only imagine what is stuffed behind them? Well that explains the smell   ------------- Life is short, paddle hard! |
Posted By: SupaSta
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2010 at 9:19pm
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Originally posted by dblanchard
Don't do it man, take 5 minutes and rinse your stuff out with the garden hose. That's all it will take to keep it clean. Awesome. My family will love that I can just walk in the door.  ------------- Life is short, paddle hard! |
Posted By: dblanchard
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2010 at 9:49pm
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I think I just need to find a better balance than pulling my float bags out, sponge drying everything, etc.
I like to keep my stuff nice, and I'd never throw a wet suit or PFD in my boat and leave it, but for all the plastic (boat, vinyl float bags, etc.) I think I'll take less time than I currently do. |
Posted By: Tobin
Date Posted: 10 Jun 2010 at 6:46am
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Sponge Dry? WOW with a capital OCD.
The care you put in to your gear is impressive. ------------- Sure? |