Re: [Paddlewise] What do you paddle?

R. Walker wrote:

> I feel underpriveledged!!!  I only have one boat.
> 
> Its a Dagger Edisto, its a little less than 15' I think.
> Perhaps a little small for folks around here, but I was
> afraid of putting anything longer on top of my little
> Tercel.  I added a deck compass and it came with a nice
> rudder.  It has no forward bulkhead, which at first made
> me a little nervous, but I've come to really like being
> able to get all my fishing equipment with me under the
> deck, including my long 2 piece flyrod.  
SNIP

Do you store the forward gear in an inflated dry bag which is tied into the boat? 
If not, then you may not have adequate bow flotation should you ever get swamped. 
There are some really good boats with no forward bulkheads and it's not really a
problem as long as some type of secure flotation is provided.  As you probably know,
having flotation in only the stern can lead to having the swamped boat sitting
vertical in the water, with the bow pointed towards the bottom!  This can make it
*very* tough get the water out & re-enter.  Food for thought.

Craig Olson
Bellingham, Washington
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