Mary and others,
>>>I have recently heard that some of the newer, lighter, more high-tech cats, partly because of their hull construction, can definitely sink.
Well it will be easy enought to establish which class designs will sink and which won't, just check the class rules.
Formula 18 rule B.1.2
Each hull shall carry at least 110 litres of flotation by solid closed cell foam, air bags, sealed air compartments in hulls and at least one inspection hatch.
source
http://f18-international.org/Complete%20Formula%2018%20Class%20Rules%202003.pdfFormula 20 rule B.1.2.
drijflichamen Niet van toepassing.
Literallt translation from Dutch: Flotation devices not applicable.
Source :
http://www.formula20.org/Formula 16 rule 1.5.2
"Each hull shall carry at least 50 liters of flotation, either by solid closed cell foam, solid blocks of compacted foam granulate, air bags or sealed air compartments."
Source :
http://www.geocities.com/f16hpclass/F16HP_class_rules_section_A_box_rule.htmlSimilar rule as the F16 rule in the Taipan 4.9 class rules.
The A-cats don't have floation rules and mostly don't have use garanteed floatation in teh shape of foam or sealed air compartments. For this reason they can not obtain an European CE quality mark. The F18 class has such a CE quality mark and the F16 class is working at getting it. Alot of paper work ! But we will get it. If we have to increase our floatation to get it then we will.
I know that the Hobie Fox as an F20 design has foam block in the hulls to get positive floatation. I assume that they still have that since the F20 no longer require each F20 design to have it. It has been the hobie way to do that and I assume that they will keep doing that.
>>So if you have any doubt about whether your boat would float, do you stuff it full of styrofoam -- how do you know how much is enough?
Styrofoam will work by I'm told it is an open cell foam that will absorp water over time and make your craft needless heavier. Closed cell foam is better. Or if you use styro foam or even foam granulated (can be molded) than pack it tightly in a sealed back. Perferable vacuumed to make it hold shape.
Best is to fix (!) low in the hull to make it work even when the hull is partly flooded. Also fix it always. There is no use when it just rests in the hull only to float the your stern on top of the water surface. You'll be riding high with your sterns out of the water and you bows pointing down. No good sailing that way.
Wouter
