----- Original Message ----- From: "TomL" <tletourn_at_maine.rr.com> > > I think Steve has a CD Gulfstream (like me), so... what do you folks do? > Can you twist around enough to see what's in the day hatch? Do you just > feel around and pull what's necessary out? Tom, You're right about the CD Gulfstream. I'm rather large and not so flexible (220 pounds) and cannot pivot around to see the day hatch. I just reach behind me with one hand to pop the cover and then feel around for what I'm looking for. I usually put my paddling jacket in first--it sort of keeps things from moving around in there a lot. My emergency bag is the largest thing in their. It's a drybag with a flare pistol, handheld flares, duct tape, etc so it's fairly easy to recognize and it is always put in the hatch and pushed toward the cockpit so I always no where to reach. Water bottles and snacks or lunch are on the very top of the pile. And of course, when I still can't find what I'm looking for, I just root around. Eventually, you'll get your hand on it. Another technique that I use is that I have a paddle leash with a wooden ball on the end wrapped around my paddle shaft. I also added two plastic balls to the deck line on the bow of the boat that goes from one side to the other. This makes it easy to slip my paddle blade under it, and then I take the wooden ball from the paddle leash and slip it under one of the deck lines just in front of the cockpit. Now I can put my left hand on the combing in front of me and actually pivot a little for better access to the day hatch. Putting the hatch on is fairly easy. Just get it started with one hand and then take the heel of your hand and bang around the edges. It will close after you've hit it a while. Good luck, Steve *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Jan 07 2003 - 13:29:03 PST
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