Re: [Paddlewise] getting rid of water using a ???????

Fernando Lopez Arbarello wrote:

> > "Whyte, David" wrote:
> > > The problem with using them on a kayak is you need to be moving
> > > very fast for them to work.
>
> "Brian Nystrom" replyed
> > Sit on top kayaks often use them in the seat.

> As Brian says the ventury efect is produced...

"venturi"

> But here comes the probem. I use neoprenne spraysquirts, and once
> wetted enough they seal so well that they are not only "water-proof" but
> "air-prooff". This means that while the ventury will start bailing the
> flooded kayak, if the squirt is on a vacuum effect will tend to cancel it.
> So, to let it work you must paddle with the squirt off (at least partially )
> or supply a way for the air to get into the cockpit, what leaves you
> vulnerable to the waves or storm that forced you to capsize with more water
> trying to get it.
>
> Maybe a plug on the deck will work, letting enough air get in

An air make-up valve from a plastic drink cup would probably provide enough air
for the relatively low flow-rate of the water exiting a self-bailing cockpit
drain valve.  The craftsman that made my CLC North Bay had to do this in the
plastic screw-cap hatches he put in the bulkheads.  These are the only opening
to the fore and aft water-tight (and air-tight) compartments.  Before installing
breathing valves, he had the foredeck start to collapse under appropriate
atmospheric conditions.

I am quite interested in realistic ways to bail the cockpit under adverse
conditions.  The down-under small cockpit size makes a lot of sense as the first
step, in having a more controllable boat during the initial emergency.  Two
thoughts to fellow kayaker listers:

1)  I think a well designed self-bailing plug, of very high quality engineering
design and construction, could self-bail without letting in the excess water
inexpensive rubber flappers of sit-on-tops do.  This is the first time I've
heard or considered this concept, but, in conjunction with a swamped-cockpit,
paddleable boat makes more hands-free sense than any pump to me.  I've seen how
fast a totally flooded sit-on-top bails and it's probably as fast as most pumps
I've seen discussed on the list.

2)  Dare I say it - in all the discussions about wet-exit and rolling safety
I've seen, no menition (other than one partially-oblitherated reference) of
sponsons.  I've recently bought my first ones and would plan to use them
pre-attached, with air tubing to my seating position and:  a) inflate them if
conditions turn very rough, before I might capsize, or b) for more controlled
re-entry, under very rough conditions (i.e. not rollable).  I don't care how
many rolls one might have, if one ventures out into seas that are (or might
become) very rough, my guess is one is always potentially in the water (out of
the boat) by surprise.  As a new Paddlewiser, I'm imagine this may have been
discussed before, so flame away if you must, but I'm really interested in a
rational discussion of what appears to make a lot of sense to me as a safety
professional for 25 years and an avid sea kayaker, beginning to venture out into
rougher waters.

Regards,
Ellis

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