Flotation

Preconditioning

Regardless of the flotation system, or the type of flotation materials used, the boat must be prepared and then pre-conditioned before beginning the test procedure. To prepare for preconditioning, the following must be done:

• the two largest air chambers, if used, must be vented at their high and low points.
• fuel tanks must be filled to their rated capacity with fuel and all external tank openings sealed.
• water tanks and holding tanks must be filled with water.
• provisions for flooded bait well, storage and iceboxes, and dry wells must be made.
• all compartments that may entrap air must be thoroughly vented.
• seats, seat cushions, and upholstery items must be vented so that they cannot entrap air.

Following preparation as outlined above, the boat must be pre-conditioned. Preconditioning consists of swamping the boat for 18 hours. Weights to simulate the outboard motor, controls and battery where applicable (outboard boats), the persons capacity, and the dead weight in accordance with the type of flotation system must be in place. At the end of the pre-conditioning, testing may begin. The type of test(s) to be performed will be determined by the type of flotation system used, i.e.: Basic, Level or Modified Level.

Previous  | Next