floats

Floats, types

*Low-Density Float Materials:*

1. *Wooden Floats:*

    - Used for indigenous fishing gear

    - Disadvantages: waterlogged, cracking, requires drying

    - Can be made waterproof with coal tar

2. *Cork Floats:*

    - High buoyancy, low material strength

    - Absorbs water, loses buoyancy over time

    - Not suitable for deep-water operations

3. *Thermocol Floats:*

    - Close-cell structure, lightweight, high buoyancy

    - Doesn't absorb water

    - Can't withstand pressure, limited to shallow waters (gill nets, seines)

4. *Sponge Plastic Floats:*

    - Lightweight, doesn't absorb water

    - Poor pressure resistance

    - Suitable for gill nets and seines, not trawls

*High-Density Float Materials:*

1. *Glass Floats:*

    - Hollow spheres, withstand pressure at depths >200 fathoms

    - Comparatively cheap

    - Require webbing protection to prevent breakage

    - Webbing increases towing resistance, reducing their use

    - Still used for long lines, traps, and set nets as buoys

2. *Aluminium Floats:*

    - More efficient than glass floats

    - Lighter, more buoyant

    - Withstand pressure up to 80m

    - High impact resistance

    - Suitable for trawls, gill nets, and seines

3.*Steel Floats:*

    - Made of two hemispheres welded together

    - Thick walls allow for use at greater depths

    - Reduced buoyancy due to thick walls

    - Prone to rust, anti-corrosion lacquers can be used

    - Lacquers can crack and fall off during use

4.. *High-Density Plastic Floats:*

    - High buoyancy, low weight

    - High resistance to pressure

    - Used in trawls, tuna long lines, etc.

    - High impact resistance, corrosion-free, and comparatively cheap

5. *Fibre Glass Floats (GRP):*

    - Manufactured in India

    - High buoyancy, can withstand pressure up to 400m

    - Buoyancy of 3800g.