Good evening. I'm new to this forum, and would like someone's input on the USCG rules pertaining to hull flotation. I have the rules and formulas for figuring cu. ft. of foam and etc.

I guess my question stems from trying to formulate a plan based on exactly what I have to do, based on a classic wood boat design, new, that I am currently building. It is most similar to a 1928-'29 Hacker, 28', triple.

As a ACBS member, I go to and work in quite a few boat shows. Not at a single one have I witnessed anything in particular that would enhance flotation if swamped or capsized. Is this because these boats are grandfathered in, or is it because, by their typical designs and lack of space, there is no really good place to install several cubic ft. in several parts of the boat ? As far as this goes, I haven't seen flotation devices in any wood boats built recently.

The print does call for ( and I am doing it this way ) a watertight, collision bulkhead, from frame #4, forward to the stem. This allows about a 6 1/2' section to become a good sized air chamber. Probably not indefinitely, but long enough for help .

Also, depending on what becomes of this question, does the boat in question need inspections prior to completion to verify things like flotation, fuel systems, and general safety compliance ? I'm not real far from USCG.

Thanks !