lund flotation

[hosenfeffer]

Setting up a 15' lund for freshwater and a piscataqua newburyport type fishing.
Lights, bilge pump ,wiring ,circuit panels, horn, small anchor 15 hp motor!!It doesn't seem to end.
Now the dilemma the flotation in the benches seems like a nice idea but would a gas tank hidden in the rear one work almost as well? How bout a livewell in the middle bench? Anyone done this to another?
Any thoughts appreciated.

[DaleH]

Fastest way it to secure 'pool noodles' under the seats and anywhere else you can. IMHO if your fuel tank isn't secured in the boat AND isn't empty ... then it shouldn;'t be relied upon as floatation, as it just isn't, and might not be practical anyway.

On the skiffs @ my boat club, I slit 3' to 4' sections of pool noodles, used spray glue to adhere a piece of Sunbrella material, and then zip-tied them over the gunwhales [I love spelling that word that way ;) ]. They act as 'bumpers' when sidling up against the larger boat's hulls. Plus, yup - they'll add floatation akin to a floatation collar. Even a few pieces could be secured just down inside the gunnel all-around so you don't lean against the rail ... though I think it would look like heck. Some put small pieces in various spots to hold unused lures, which is a great use for small sections of pool noodle!

There are various density 2-part urethane foams you could put into an enclosed space and it skins over to prevent water absorbtion. Best price (or used to be anyway) is here: http://www.uscomposites.com/foam.html . You need to take care in installation or it can 'pop', deform or even permanently damage the area you put it into!

http://www.uscomposites.com/Images/foam/0204.jpg

FWIW I just refurb'd an old 16' abandoned hull into a fast inshore fishing skiff and even added a neat small side console, plus all you stated and more (even a thru-hull with pick-up). Ask away on anything if I can be of any help.