[Paddlewise] Standardized tests for hatch leakage - was - Sea Kayaker Reviews

I thought I should jump in and comment on this one and let me say that I
agree with the value of standardizing many of the tests, including one for
hatch leakage, but it needs to test the product applying forces that are
similar to those that you'd expect to use it in, I wouldn't plan on using my
kayak as a canteen anytime soon  ;-)

Filling a compartment with water to test leakage bears little similarity to
actual use.

A good hatch should be designed to keep water out, but not nessesarily to
keep water in.

Water outside the hatch may press down on the hatch and hold it tighter
against the shell of the boat, whereas water inside the hatch would only
stay in, if the design was dependent on a clamping mechanism that was strong
enough to overcome the weight of the water inside the compartment.


John Winters said:
"4. Sea Kayaker has no standard tests for watertight integrity of hatches
... snip

Peter Treby said:
It doesn't take much time to fill each compartment with water and report the
results. ... snip



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