Buoancy test

Earlier this Summer I did a test to see how much weight a pair of foam panels (hull sides) would support and remain afloat. Today I did a similar test.. and got more useful information.

No one wants their boat to sink.. so if there are flotation provisions; will they be sufficient? My current Rigger project utilizes Polystyrene foam sponsons which provide most of the functional buoancy.

For this test; the only metal parts in the boat are the aluminum boom-tubes and the brass stuffing tube. I wanted to see how much weight; (in necessary running-gear, fuel and ballast..) could be added.. and have the model stay afloat.

I made-up a balanced-pair of weighted-slings using automotive lug-nuts strung on zip-ties.. which I "hung" from the aft-boom-tube on both sides, between the hull and sponsons. My first test was with 15.62 oz. which "sunk" the hull.. so I had to remove a few lug-nuts..







Given the 2nd test result; I'm fairly confident that the existing (functional) flotation will support 3/4 of a pound.. before needing to add any. NOTE: A waterproof radio-box adds functional flotation.

Next test was to drain the hull.. and "float-it".. to see where it balances; with those weights still hanging from the aft boom-tube.



I'm liking the result.. because the engine will be immediately aft of that point.. with the fuel-cell, Rx and batt. immediately fwd. of it.