Positive Flotation
 

I am wondering if anyone here knows for sure if the 1996 330 Sun Sport has 'positive flotation' . . . or if in fact all Formulas have positive flotation, due to the foam filled cavities.

I emailed Scott Smith at formula regarding this, but I thought that I would also pose the question here.

The 1996 brochure mentions the foam filled cavities, but does not specifically mention 'positive flotation'. however, the 1999 brochure uses the term 'positive flotation'. So, I am wondering if they made some changes between those years to gain a bit more flotation.

My 1991 242SS had positive flotation, per the product literature, but the literature on the 1996 models is a bit vague.

I did some measuring and guesstimation of my 330SS, and figure that it might come up a bit short on the flotation, versus the published weight specs. If I am a bit short, there are plenty of places to add some flotation in the structure . . . If I am way short, then probably not enough space.

TIA for any info.

I doubt that they mean the thing will float like a Boston Whaler will. I think they probably mean it will just sink a little slower. Best measure is to have all your preventative maintenance in place and make sure you have a plan in place just in case. Know were all your life jackets are...

Are there twin engine boats with positive floatation like a runabout has?

I got a reply from Scott Smith, indicating that the 330SS has positive flotation. He was going to do a little bit of research as to how much foam is installed in the boat, etc.

I think it is fair to say that in a 'sinking' incident, the stern would most likely go under and the bow may be the only thing showing above water.

Did he define what positive flotation ment? IE that it will float indefinatly or that it will just slow the process. I saw a cat go down in seconds after it stuffed. We got there about 30 seconds after the accident happened and did not have time to tie a rope to the boat before it went to the bottom with the driver still inside.

I did follow-up to ask what they termed "positive flotation", as to your point it can mean different thing to different people. I believe that there is a specific meaning to 'positive flotation', but its terminology is not always adhered to, etc.

I am awaiting some follow up, on the details.

If I had a boat sinking and was worried if it had positive flotation, I would just put on my life jacket, get on top of the boat to make sure it went under all the way! :D :D :D

I think this ids Positive Floatation

That is POSITIVE, but I would still jump on it. :D :D

Most of the time positive flotation means that in case of a hull breach the boat will still be on the surface in some fashion. I think uscg has standards for this term and that it is required on vessels under 23 feet in length. I would doubt formula would use this term incorrectly due to possible litigation if an injury or loss of life happened that could have been prevented by positive flotation.

LC

I got an additional communication back from Formula Boats . . . they said that they do not test nor certify positive flotation in their boats over 26 feet. So, it is not exactly known, but they have seen the sun sport go down to the gunwales, but not actually sink.

I suppose that I could add some flotation just to improve things. . .

I told the wife I need to install a couple of these for safety reasons since it is a family boat. I didn't really understand everything she said, but I am fairly certain I am going to be looking at adding foam flotation instead. Just a hunch. Besides, being a geeky engineer, I have never even met a woman that looks like that! Wouldn't know what to do.

Seriously, I have thought about the positive flotation also but not unsinkable like a whaler. I just do not want the boat to be capable of ever sinking beneath the surface. I have looked at all the foam space in my 272 and I think it would be close. An inflatable pillow up in the nose would probably meet the needs, but foam doesn't pop or deflate.

Tough part is you never know until you sink it and I do not want to test that.

Brian

How can they not test or certify but claim in literature that they are positive floation? Seems like this would just be asking for some one else to own your boat company. I havent read the literature just going by what was written in the op.

Can you please express your concern on this issue? :whistle:

Yup, looks like an inconsistency. The 1999 Sun Sport Brochure states "positive flotation in all Formulas" . . . the 1997 Sun Sport Brochure does not. Therefore, I asked the question.

I'm figuring it is probably close. As Brian stated, since it is a family boat, and there is space available, I'll add the the extra foam just to be sure. Since the boat has thru-hulls, twin I/O's, etc. there are a few things that could go wrong . . .

My previous boat was a 24 foot (F-242SS) and it specifically stated "positive flotation".