Anyone ever constructed marks/float/bouys?

I wanted to practice rounding marks, layline estimates, and actually practicing on a standard course that I could emplace myself. Has anyone ever constructed DIY mark/bouys? I'm thinking about a regular auto innertube with a brightly colored, large beach ball on top. A short length of chain, some nylon line (adjustable), should do it. Construct three and set them out according to the standard course pattern.

Any ideas? Thanks for your thoughts!

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Eric
H16
Sail# 11500

The original race marks (before inflatables) were 3/4" aluminum poles pushed through a block of styrofoam. Big weight at one end and a flag on the other.

Eric, Your idea should work just fine. You can use just about anything for a mark..even a lobster pot buoy, or a navigation buoy (just don't tie off to it). If you have the $$ you can get real buoys from Polyform @ http://www.polyformus.com/ . You may want to invest in a set of flags. You can get the flags from West Marine, and then go to a home improvement store (home depot) and get wood dowels for the staffs (they won't sink) use stainless staples to attach them and away you go. Make good friends with someone who owns a power boat and teach them the flag starting sequence and you'll have your own regatta. Good luck..see you at the Hobie 40th anniversary Regatta in October @ Dana Point.

hippity hop

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Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

Thanks for the fast response Gentlemen. I appreciate it.

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Eric
H16
Sail# 11500

And here I thought that "hippity hop" was some technical sailing term.

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1984 H16 - #80541

It is ... it's the little dance one does trying to get back on the boat when waves knock your feet off the hull while trapped-out

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Eric
H16
Sail# 11500

We go to the local car wash and get the left over 55 gallon plastic barrels. They usually have a screw on cap so you can screw it back in and be water tight and a stout handle to attache the anchor line to.

They are usually white and we put some orange tape on it, you could even spray pain it.

If you are going to be setting them your self in the Hobie, get the rubber covered anchors, they don't ding as bad.

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Brad Stephens
[email protected]
(866) 786-5266 <--- Advice HOTline
http://www.sunjammers.com
www.facebook.com/sunjammers

I buy cat litter in 40 lb buckets (from Costco) with tight sealing lids and sturdy handles, which always seem too good to throw out when empty. (My wife makes me get rid of them when I've collected a tall stack.)
Find someone with multiple cats, and they may have a bunch in their garage too. Depending on brand, you may have your choice of colors.

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What - Me Worry?


2006 Hobie Wave 7358
"Ish Kabibble"

You might also want to check with the local maritime authorities- just to make sure it is OK to drop buoys that are larger than crab pot floats.

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Alan
'86 H16, Sail #89057

Good point Alan,
I would always want to stay on the good relationtional side of our authorities!

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Eric
H16
Sail# 11500

Smallish Buoys don't need a lot of anchor or line. An old lifting weight or concrete in an old jug should be just fine. Line can be inexpensive parachute cord. Bigger line just makes it easier to pull up. If you sail where there is a lot of current, a short length of chain may help, but remember, you are only holding the line and float in place.