Hi All,

Looking for suggestions for best flotation to use, how much to use, and where it should go. Interpreter (1068) currently has none, it was all removed. The Ensign Design Sketches available on the website shows flotation in the forward compartment and flotation blocks under deck on each side behind the coaming boards. Should it be added under the seat in the cabin? Should the bow compartment be completely filled with it? Best place to purchase flotation?

Thanks,

Jim Harris

Interpreter 1068

Fleet 11

Dallas, TX

Hi All!

I swamped Lorelei in Annapolis a few years back. She floated, but it was a very slow tow back to the dock with the waves at deck level. Yes, Lorelei has been through a lot of experiences. But she’s a solidly built Ensign… like a Timex, she takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’!

It would have been nice to be able to self-rescue, but that requires at least six inches of freeboard. You gotta be able to bail faster than the waves wash water in.

I have considered a couple of things to make it possible to self-rescue (not that I ever. Intend to swamp her again… but then, you never do). Inflatable flotation bags under the benches would require the benches be solidly attached to the floorboards and the floorboards solidly attached to the hull. Another idea involved preserving the cabin air space by sealing off the companionway, isolating sea water to the cockpit, but such a panel would never be handy when it’s needed…

The density of salt vs fresh water makes a difference in flotation.

The point here is, you should not skimp on Ensign flotation. It has 1200 pounds of lead to keep afloat.

All my best,

Bud Brown

Jim,

Ensign 1068 has no flotation?  Was it there when I sold it to you (I believe that's the boat I had)?

If not, I'm very sorry - I have no idea where it went.

--

Bill Hawk

Prickly Pair 1414

Jim,

I too have survived a total swamping of an Ensign. The aft end of the boat did not float did not float nearly as well as the "New" boat in Zeke's photos.

You have two options on selection of foam material.

Extuded polystyrene foam (XPS). This is avilable in home centers. Made by Dow, blue or Owens-Corning, Pink. XPS has a smooth skin. Do not use polystyrene bead board. That is white and made by fusing little styrofoam balls into a sheet form. The beadboard will absorb water reducing it's ability as floatation. I would use 2" sheets, layered to fill the void spaces.

The other option is 2 part closed cell urethane foam. Generally, you mix part A and part B liquids in equal amounts in small batches to fill the void spaces. Top access o the spaces is required. Openings at the top are required to allow expansion to relieve. If expansion is not allowed to relieve, damage from expansion may result.

No matter which material you use, you need a plan to allow installation and subsequent repair of openings made to allow installation.

Ward Woodruff

Smoke 1253

Niantic, CT