Level floatation

[Guest]

Stupid question, but you have to make sure.

With older boats that have the level floatation in the bench seats...........

Is there any law or regulation that prohibits the removal of that?

I would assume not, but you know what assume means.

[musky hunter]

Don't know if it's illegal, but it's certainly not wise. That flotation is the only thing between the hull and the bottom of the lake! Foam is usually placed to maintain minimum flotation and spaced about the center of gravity of the boat. I understand why you would want to remove a seat. You might be able to install foam under gunwales or other location to compensate.

[Guest]

I understand that the level floatation is intended to keep the boat afloat if she took on water and was sinking. However, this is about an older rig, and the foam is so deteriorated, I don't think it would make a difference (It is only a 14' boat Lund). Honestly, I'm not too worried about her sinking.......

I'm putting in a livewell in the bench seat and need to pull this out for the room.

[Surface Tension]

If you can you add flotation to another location I would do so.

[Kevin Turner]

Big G, There is no law I'm aware of. But, think carefuly about that one in a million chance of having something to cling to in the middle of a storm strewn lake...Also, some tourney's require your boat adhere to all coast guard regs...Kevin

[Surface Tension]

Absolutely, Theres a lot of capsized survivors that'll tell you if they didn't have a boat to crawl on to get out of cold water well they wouldn't be here to tell you that

[Guest]

Thanks for the replys.

So, is the level floatation a CG reg?

Again, this boat is a small rig used for "puddle jumping" on small lakes and small rivers. If a storm is brewing, I would be able to get to the ramp in 5 minutes or less.

So, again I'm not really worried about the boat sinking, just being legal.

(Nope, she won't be in any tourneys either!)