flotation pod question

[blucrappie]

I am considering adding some pods to my 10 ft jon boat, do i need to put anything inside the pods after welding them together? like Styrofoam or something, or do they just use air for the flotation? i looked at the beaver-tail website but the schematics didn't give me any idea, i don't think their pods would fit on my jon. Also, should i bolt or weld the pods to my transom? Thanks!

 

[Doubles]

Pretty sure that the Styrofoam isn't going to add to the buoyancy; it sounds like that is your question. The only reason to use Styrofoam on a boat is to provide buoyancy should the boat go wrong-side-down. So by adding Styrofoam you are actually detracting from the provided buoyancy provided from the displaced water by adding weight -- albeit minimal and that is why Styrofoam is used.

Ultimately if your pods are going to be sealed there is no need for Styrofoam, the only reason to use something like Styrofoam is if they are the actual device providing the flotation support. That's probably a cheaper option but it will need to be replaced on a semi-regular basis.

Hope that helps,
DD

 

[bassboy1]

No need for the foam. Be sure to weld in a drain bung (pipe thread half coupler), then pressure test at NO MORE THAN 2 PSI. Soapy water over all the weld seams will show if you have any leaks.

If the transom has wood inside, or isn't a one piece integral aluminum setup (as one would see on some of the larger all welded boats), I personally bolt them every time. Reason being the majority of the strength of the transom comes from the wood core, and welding them on only attaches them to the thin aluminum skin. Through bolting attaches them to the 'meat' of the transom.