Key Floaties - Don't always float

[BigBald]

I am adding this topic for a couple reasons...one....I had no idea that this would happen, and perhaps someone else out there didn't know. And....if everyone else knows this...then this only proves that I am an idiot.

A couple weeks ago I was filling up my boat at the marina. I grabbed my gas cap key and used it. After the first spin, the key slipped out of my hand and into the water. I didn't react to quickly, because it had a key floaty. But, I quickly realized it was heading down....to sum up...after a quick dive and slight contact around 10 or 15 feet down...I couldn't catch the floaty. And now it's at the bottom of Lake Cumberland along with the keys to my glove compartment.

I had no idea that the floaty would not float....basically, I was told that a normal floaty will only keep a single key floating. And the gas cap key I got from the dealer is a lot heavier than a single key....add in the two other small keys, and that dude was way undersized.

So....for the future...keep in mind that you need to test out your floaties. Also....you should have seen the face of everyone in the boat...until they realized that they boat is keyless....they thought the week was done...ha

[MHayes]

RE: Key Floaties - Don

Actually, that's news to me! I thought they could definitely handle several keys.

[zapada]

RE: Key Floaties - Don

Wow! Thanks for the post. Just think of all the bad experiences you may have just prevented. We'll all go home and check our floaties now. Certainly have more than one key on them.

[Hollywood]

RE: Key Floaties - Don

I dropped Quinner's keys in Green Lake this past weekend. He had about 8 keys (including his tow vehicle) and a couple remotes on one of those rubber floats that you can put stuff inside. They went down pretty quick! Obviously I did not intend to put them in the water, and am not surprised they went down. We dove for about 30 minutes hoping to at least be able to feel the float off the bottom but it didn't happen.

I will be running an experiment soon weighing out how much each of my floats can float and then weigh my keys and remotes for insurance.

[AirTool]

Re: Key Floaties - Don't always float

I am adding this topic for a couple reasons...one....I had no idea that this would happen, and perhaps someone else out there didn't know. And....if everyone else knows this...then this only proves that I am an idiot.

I think you may be safe Bigbald_SPLASH180. It appears that there are a few people here who thought a small floaty could buoy a handful of keys.

I certainly, though, would not put you in the category of Archimedes...one of the greatest Mathematicians in history. He was the first to document that a body immersed in a fluid is acted upon by a force equal to the weight of fluid displaced by the body. Today we usually say that if a body weighs less than the fluid it displaces, it will float in that fluid. If it is heavier, it sinks.

Now there are complex methods to calculate said volumes and forces. Those that enjoy this can become Naval Architects. They specialize in volume, density, and force calculations to make sure what needs to float....actually floats.

For me, I usually just test 'em out in the bathtub before heading to the deep water.

AirTool

[SkiTower]

RE: Re: Key Floaties - Don

I certainly, though, would not put you in the category of Archimedes...one of the greatest Mathematicians in history. He was the first to document that a body immersed in a fluid is acted upon by a force equal to the weight of fluid displaced by the body. Today we usually say that if a body weighs less than the fluid it displaces, it will float in that fluid. If it is heavier, it sinks.

Now there are complex methods to calculate said volumes and forces. Those that enjoy this can become Naval Architects. They specialize in volume, density, and force calculations to make sure what needs to float....actually floats.

It's WAY TOO EARLY for this deep thinking... how about let's go for a few runs! Yellow_Flash_Colorz:

[SquamInboards]

RE: Re: Key Floaties - Don

I saw this at a trade show ... http://www.davisnet.com/Marine/produ...asp?pnum=00530

of course there's no sure way to test this out at home for weight capacity, but you could use a postage scale or something I guess.

[BigBald]

RE: Re: Key Floaties - Don

I am thinking about using an empty milk jug....just to be safe... Yellow_Flash_Colorz:

Although it might be a tight fit in the glove compartment....

[AirTool]

Re: RE: Re: Key Floaties - Don

I am thinking about using an empty milk jug....just to be safe... Yellow_Flash_Colorz:

Although it might be a tight fit in the glove compartment....

Oh no....milk jugs are not UV stabilized and designed to decompose rapidly in the sun. So if you can't get it in your glove box, you'll need to bring a new one each trip.

Or maybe keep it covered in spf50.

AirTool

[ClemsonDave]

RE: Re: RE: Re: Key Floaties - Don

Somewhat related.... The rear compartment of my '08 196 has some strong gas shocks. First day I had it, a buddy put his cell phone on the left rear cushion. He opened the latch on the right cushion and they both sprung open! The phone, with a very nice arc, took a dive right into Okeeheelee! We dove for about an hour trying to find it with no success. Hence forth my rear compartment is called the 'phone ejection system.' He has since learned that it is a good idea to back up 700 phone numbers and 500 photos. :grin:

[Hollywood]

RE: Re: RE: Re: Key Floaties - Don

The vinyl dipped foam floats are good for 3 average size keys. The stainless steel gas cap key is about as heavy as 2 house keys. I have not tested a hollow rubber one yet.

[darrel409]

Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: Key Floaties - Don

I have not tested a hollow rubber one yet.

HW,
Safety First, You should practice safe sex. Always use a condom.

[saceone]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: Key Floaties - Don

^^ especially INSIDE the boat. haha.

[Hollywood]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: Key Floaties - Don

Good point considering I power load when pulling out.

[BigBald]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: Key Floaties - Don

This thread has taken an interesting turn.....

ClemsonDave....the Phone Ejection System....or P.E.S....sounds like an undocumented feature.
Correct Craft '08 196 - great wake for skiing and PES dispensing rear compartment.