Firefly buoyancy

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Michael4
Posts: 504
Joined: Fri Jan 03, 2014 5:25 pm
Location: West Sussex

Firefly buoyancy

Post by Michael4 »

Am I right in assuming that two stern buoyancy bags are now considered 'essential' equipment and if so, does anyone know their size or specification?

The boat currently has a bow bag and long bags inserted inside the old tanks.

Many thanks

Michael
Tideway 206
11+
Sold the 'Something bigger and plastic', it never got used.
Graham L
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Re: Firefly buoyancy

Post by Graham L »

Hi

I have rear bags in my Firefly. They are Crewsaver ones rated at 45kg (100lb) each, with dimensions of 890 x 280mm (35" x 11")

I also have the large bow bag but no bags in the side tanks.

I would say the rear bags are essential as the Firefly holds a lot of water when swamped and even with them, the water level is still higher than the centreboard case opening, which makes it almost impossible to bail out.

Hope this helps

Graham L
Rupert
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Re: Firefly buoyancy

Post by Rupert »

Both essential and need to be there in the rules. I think mine are 36x12, but I could be wrong. Big as will fit, really. They used to make tapered bags, but sadly no more.

Our Dr Brigg has made lovely covers for his bags, much nicer than the webbing holding mine in. If you search, you may find the thread on here somewhere.
Rupert
Michael4
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Re: Firefly buoyancy

Post by Michael4 »

Thanks, I'll look around for some.

While on the topic of buoyancy bags has anyone filled an old leaking one with polystyrene? Not foam, just the little white bobbles. Might be rather tedious but I guess it would save quite a few £££s.
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Ed
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Re: Firefly buoyancy

Post by Ed »

Fix the leak?

eib
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Michael4
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Re: Firefly buoyancy

Post by Michael4 »

Ed wrote:Fix the leak?

eib
Well I've tried...used the best part of a bicycle puncture repair kit but it still leaks. It is too big to sink into a bath and look for bubbles. It is an old smooth plastic one, not the textured Crewsaver type.
Tideway 206
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Sold the 'Something bigger and plastic', it never got used.
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jpa_wfsc
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Re: Firefly buoyancy

Post by jpa_wfsc »

Its Vinyl then. Bike repair kit will not work.

You will need vynyl glue and material. Car centres have these for fixing tears in car seats.
j./

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Pat
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Re: Firefly buoyancy

Post by Pat »

Loctite soft plastic glue works on those smooth bags but in our experience, the Crewsaver ones seem to last longer and wear better.
(Half Cut and What a Lark Removals Ltd)
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