"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 necessarily to keep water in." True, but as a practical test, filling with water is easy to do. It accurately shows up any leaks coming from flaws apart from the hatch. Sure, the hatch might only work one way. In real life use, the hatch can be subject to forces from inside the boat, air expansion, dry bags and gear. A good hatch should resist these forces without leaks or other failure. Paddling the boat in rough conditions, rolling a few times, then reporting on any water in a compartment gives the real life test for hatches. I think Sea Kayaker tests do report if any water is found inside compartments after use. Submersing the boat with the hatches secured might be a test that should be carried out as well. I think the submersion should last a while. Regards, Peter Treby 37* 42' S 145* 08' E *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Sun Aug 13 2000 - 21:00:39 PDT
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