From: "Peter Treby" <ptreby_at_ozemail.com.au> > I have not installed them, thinking that the bulging > and dipping of the VCP hatch lids would never be enough to cause structural > damage to the hull and deck. This clearly needs a rethink. I wouldn't worry so much about major structural failure unless you subject your kayak to extremes (like coming down from a mountain and going thru significant temperature changes at the same time). However, I put teensy holes in the bulkheads of my Ellesmere to prevent pressure buildup. My reason is that I don't want to pop a hatch if it overheats (the cover's on a leash, but that's not enough - I want a closed hatch). I also don't want to stress the hatch cover unnecessarily (pressure or suction). The holes were made with the smallest drill in my kit (around a mm or so) and are located at the centre of each bulkhead. In extensive rolling practice, there is rarely any water in the forward compartment as a result of the hole. The rear gets a spoonful or so. I've considered covering the holes with fabric so that it still breathes easily but leaks more slowly. It's never been an issue, though, and I'll probably never get around to that. Mike *************************************************************************** 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 Wed Apr 16 2003 - 17:38:33 PDT
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