How to Build a Flip Float for Oyster Gardening

For diagrams and more information, go to www.oystergardener.org then click on "Oyster Gardening" then "Devices and Designs." A flip float is one type of container used by recreational oyster gardeners in Virginia. It consists of a wire mesh box (39"x24"x6"), a lid (25"x8"), and two PVC floats (38" long) on either side. Here's what you'll need to make your own flip float for oyster gardening: box • 5' by 4' coated wire mesh with 1" cells • pig rings and pig ring pliers • wire cutter • tape measure • rubber mallet, sturdy table, and a 2x4 piece of wood (or a bender) lid • bungee cord • pig rings and pig ring pliers • small hook floats • two 4" thin-wall PVC drain pipe cut to 38" • 4 PVC caps • primer • glue • four 18" black cable ties For more about oyster gardening, visit Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association (www.oystergardener.org) and Virginia Sea Grant (www.vaseagrant.vims.edu).