5 gallon buckets as pontoons

Discussion in 'Boatbuilding' started by wake711, Sep 5, 2004.

  1. wake711
    Joined: Sep 2004
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    Location: nebraska

    wake711 New Member

    i was wondering if it would work if i attached three 5 gallon drywall buckets that were airtight on each side of a boat as pontoons, and how would i fugure how much bouyancy they had.
     
    wake711, Sep 5, 2004
    #1
  2. Dutch Peter
    Joined: Aug 2004
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    Location: The Netherlands

    Dutch Peter Senior Member

    Yes you can.

    Buoyancy of an object equals the weight of the amount of displaced liquid. i.e. an object displacing a cubic meter of (fresh) water is subjected to a lifting force of 1 ton.
    This lifting force is in balans with weight of the object (the bucket) + weight X.

    X can be a force pushing/pulling object down, ballast (live or dead) , (in your case) a boat, etc.
     
    Dutch Peter, Sep 6, 2004
    #2
  3. JEM
    Joined: Jan 2004
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    Location: Greensboro, NC

    JEM Senior Member

    Each 5 gallon bucket completely submerged would provide about 41 pounds bouyancy.

    I'd worry about them cracking though. Not design to withstand that kind of pressure. Maybe fill them with 2-part bouyancy foam?
     
    JEM, Sep 6, 2004
    #3

  5. Dutch Peter
    Joined: Aug 2004
    Posts: 645
    Likes: 7, Points: 28, Legacy Rep: 66
    Location: The Netherlands

    Dutch Peter Senior Member

    Wake,

    Filling them with foam is a good option to prevent flooding, but remember to add the weight of the foam as part of the bucket weight!
     
    Dutch Peter, Sep 6, 2004
    #4
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