Re: [Paddlewise] pressurize the boat

Thanks for the description of the bellows effect that can pump water in
through very small holes when waves are alternating squeezing and releasing
the hull. Your hatch designs certainly made this effect obvious.  Is it okay
if I quote you for an update of the "Flotation" manual on our website? For
those interested in flotation and leaks I recommend taking a look at that
"Flotation" manual. It gets into detail as to the pros and cons of most
flotation systems including many examples of system failures I've heard,
read or have written about for Sea Kayaker magazine (now in Sea Kayaker's
Deep Trouble).

I agree with Robert that bulkheads for footrests and wrap around the cockpit
stern bulkheads are a good way to increase a kayak's buoyancy. Adding a pod
would be even better as it also adds more buoyant volume along the side of
the seat and leg area of the kayak. The catch is that unless the kayak is
carefully custom fit to the paddler's dimensions you are going to looses a
lot of volume to adjustable foot pedals and backrests. I might also point
out that a float bag that is big enough can fill up the space lost to the
adjustable foot braces (when using a bulkhead) may well provide more
buoyancy than a bulkhead in front of the adjustable foot pedals (especially
so for a shorter legged paddler). The catch there is that most float bags
available aren't nearly big enough for sea kayaks.

Matt Broze
www.marinerkayaks.com
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