Sculpture Flotation Device

You're welcome OP.

Do post a picture when you're done and let us know what you ended up doing.

-Tom

 

Should a fish not be IN the water?

 

It's art...

Nothing further.

-Tom

 

It seems that there is a need for the floating system to be fairly stable as well as floating at the correct level. I am assuming that the post is more of a guide than a support. If it is grossly off in LCG/LCB or really unstable, it is much more likely that it will get stuck on the post. So essentially you are trying to make this something that could float free by itself in a stable manner. If so, the center of gravity of the sculpture in both longitudinal and vertical directions relative to the submerged part must be considered.

 

Further to my suggestion re three floats, Submarine Tom mentioned bladders which lead me to think about placing separate bladders (perhaps tractor tyre tubes) into inverted lightweight cages and simply increase or decrease the amount of air in each as required. Good luck with it. Old Dog.

 

The purpose of this thread was to get a few ideas floating around (excuse the pun) from people who know more than myself regarding flotation etc. Its nice to hear peoples opinions and thoughts aswell as hear constructive feedback.

re: concrete base, am now researching the idea of a shuttering/box section to place into pond, watertight from base to above water level, water will be pumped out and base set. Another option is to pour the concrete in the water. Concrete is said to cure better underwater, but has to be poured in a constant flow with no breaks. The main aspect of this now is its enviornmental impact regarding its possible hazardness towards wildlife.

 

Whites,

Concrete may work, but it sounds like you are looking at a dead weight situation. Concrete while strong is not really that dense, and will looks about a third of it's weight due to buoyancy. Assuming the pond is a soft bottom, I would think a sheet of plate steel say 4x8' with the tubes wealded on would be more steady. It would also make it easier to fabricate, since concrete would require a pump truck, and assorted issues.