Posted by Ed Kiser on August 19, 2005 at 19:23:36 from 152.163.100.6 user Kisered.
In Reply to: Re: Swallow anew? posted by Andy G on August 19, 2005 at 11:34:46:
According to the fictional account in Swallowdale regarding the Pike Rock incident - even after John removed the pigs of ballast, the Swallow did not float. It became lighter, obviously, so it was easier to shift underwater, but it was not of positive bouyancy. Even after certain items of cargo were removed, it still did not surface on its own.
One interesting modern adaptation for floatation I have noticed in this area (Florida, USA) is that some boats have attached (not sure exactly how) a set of NOODLES, long foam floats, about 3-4 inches in diameter, 4-6 feet long, to the OUTSIDE of the gunwale. This position avoids taking up any interior room. It acts as a floatation device if the ship ever sank far enough to where the gunwales were essentially awash, and served as fenders being all along the otherwise exposed edges of the boat. They also served in an "outrigger" function, in that if a boat listed over to where that noodle hit the water, which it would do just before that gunwale dipped, its floatation factor would help prevent additional tipping. They are rather colorful as well, appearing almost as a "racing stripe" down the side of the boat running almost its full length. Normally these noodles are sold in pool supply stores and are use for kids to play with in the pool as bendable floats they can straddle and ride, or have "sword fights" with. They are flexible enough to be bent double. The foam material does not seem to get waterlogged, as the very tiny air cells are not open to the outside. These were definitely not around during the days of Ransome.
Ed Kiser, South Florida,
enjoying my pool this summer, where the water is almost a bit too HOT (32C), due to the solar panels on the roof capturing this South Florida SUNshine that is very close to being directly above.