Re: [Paddlewise] pressurize the boat

Robert said (big snip):
> One factor involved in leakage into a bow or stern compartment is
> pressure differences. This does not arise in a skin boat or any kayak
> without bulkheads but can have a profound effect in bulkheaded
> composite boats where a small leak that in and off itself might be of
> no particular significance can admit a large amount of water.

Robert, et al,
One of the reasons I'm a bit anal about leaks is because of all the 
modifications I've done to the hull and deck (I have a full-lenght keel 
strip bolted every 12" inches and custom-molded rudder lines entering the 
rear deck, to name a few.

I should also add that when my Nordkapp kayak was new in 1981, I got wet 
compartments all the time paddling, especially hot days in rough seas. I 
tried drilling the pin holes under advisement of the retailer in the 
bulkheads. It didn't help. That's when I took it in for the first leak test, 
performed by the retailer (I eventually started doing this myself) . We 
filled the pin holes first, then subsequently discovered bubbles coming from 
around the 7" hatch rims. I guess they are glassed in seperately and there 
were migratory pathways for the air/water exchange. We sealed them up (the 
dealer did). I eventually redid the rim edges where they are cut into the 
deck with my own attention for better detai, using epoxyl. I'm the one out 
there on the ocean, not the retailer as I once complained loudly.

Some paddlers trust their hatches so much they don't use gear bags. I never 
had that much faith. :-)

Doug L
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