RE: [Paddlewise] Dayhatches (was Time for a New PFD)

From: PeterO <rebyl_kayak_at_iprimus.com.au>
Date: Wed, 8 Jan 2003 21:42:47 +1100
Tom wrote: -
>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?

Steve wrote: -
>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.

G'Day Tom, Steve and Paddlewise,

My set up/technique is similar to Steve's and I don't twist round much more
than 50 degrees, but work by feeling behind with my hand and using my hips
to stabilise the boat. The trick for me is having two containers tethered
neatly so they don't tangle and so it doesn't matter if they go in the
water.

There are three combo smoke flares at the bottom side of my day hatch in an
Otterbox tethered by a long cord to a point inside the hatch. Likewise in a
small bag is safety gear including: miniflares, one combo flare, duct-tape,
first-aid kit, multitool, torches, waterproof patches and phone. The bag
handle is placed near the top of the hatch and accessible by feel. The bag
is smaller than the day hatch opening. The tethers are long enough to let
containers be opened on the front deck. So there's no worry if they drop in
the water while being removed from the hatch.

I'm still experimenting and need more practise removing the bag and otter
box as I seldom use them - will try this weekend and let you know how it
goes. Food, water and CAG are loosely packed at the side so as not to jam
the bag. Carkeys and money go in the CAG. I don't always take the Otterbox
with flares but the rest of the gear is always packed.

All the best, PeterO


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Received on Wed Jan 08 2003 - 02:45:39 PST

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