Re: [Paddlewise] pressurize the boat

I'm aware of the SOF issue. I guess I realize the SOF's are better at 
shorter duration trips/outing - not long, dangerous crossing or rough, 
extended off shore paddling.

I figured someone would bring up the pin hole issue. Leak testers need to 
work out how they are going to take that into account.

I heard back from Sharon Bloyd-Peshkin at the Magazine Program, Journalism 
Department of Columbia College Chicago. She said the hatch on the Epic kayak 
wasn't strapped down tight enough. Mike had a similar boat in the past which 
didn't need as much cinching down. he was obviously unaware of the issue at 
the time of the incident.

Doug L




> Doug Lloyd wrote:
>> FOLLOW UP POST - Try the Southwind site for some _great information_:
>
> One problem with that info is that it assumes all bulkheads are perfectly 
> watertight.  Many kayaks have a teensy hole in the centre to allow for air 
> pressure equalization.  I put one in both front and rear bulkheads after 
> seeing the hatch covers bulging (Kayaksport rubber).  No amount of rolling 
> or other wet practice has ever resulted in anything other than a bit of 
> dampness in the compartment.
>
> If you're really paranoid about leaks, Doug, you're gonna have a lot of 
> fun with an SOF.  What with sewing seams making holes in the fabric that 
> are sometimes too large (just) to completely close with paint or varnish, 
> you're gonna have to decide whether you want a bit of a leak or go crazy 
> finding and filling every possible hole.  Since the reserve buoyancy in an 
> SOF comes from flotation bags and not the skin's integrity, it's really a 
> moot point, IMHO.
>
> With composite kayaks, I think you have to differentiate between a leak 
> that constitutes a leak and one that constitutes a potential structural 
> failure.  The small one of the former is annoying, a large one or the 
> latter, dangerous.
>
> 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/
***************************************************************************