RE: [Paddlewise] retrofitting bulkheads

Peter

Sounds like you are referring to Dave Winkworth's recent incident where
he got dumped by a 4 metre wave breaking off the front section of his
kayak forward of the bulkhead. He never found it again but he still
managed to do a roll though wondered why it was harder than normal. It
wasn't until he came up that he realised the front of his kayak was
missing

David
Canberra

-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Treby [mailto:ptreby_at_ozemail.com.au]
Sent: Friday, 23 February 2001 9:06 AM
To: Paddlewise (E-mail)
Subject: RE: [Paddlewise] retrofitting bulkheads


"I was just having this discussion with a fiend who's ordering a new
boat
over the weekend. If you do have this done in place of foot pegs
remember to
get a reinforced bulk head. There is a charge for it, around 75.00. I
had
mine done this way and it worked out well. With that said I've heard
more
then a few custom bulk heads have come through incorrect."
A problem with the forward bulkhead as the footrest, is that the
bulkhead
may fail with injurious or boat sinking consequences if the boat does an
ender into a sandbar or rock. This happened here recently, but the boat
broke at the bow. The footrest/bulkhead was strong enough to withstand a
spearing into a sandbar.
Side rails with footpegs, and a bulkhead further forward might avoid a
risk
of bulkhead failure, provided the footpeg arrangement is strong enough.
The
local designer of the Pittarak thinks this is a safer arrangement. I'm
about
to have a boat built using the bulkhead-as-footrest arrangement. I want
the
reduction in cockpit volume, and increased storage in the forward
compartment. I'm a little undecided about this. The thought of having a
bad
surf landing and putting a foot through the front bulkhead is a fine
little
nightmare. Anyone have any knowledge of failures or problems?

Good Paddling,
Peter Treby
37º 42' S  145º 08' E



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