The theory is that if an end compartment were to get holed, there would still be two compartments (the cockpit and the other end). It would affect performance, but one would only be in serious trouble if the cockpit and one end got flooded.

There is a deckbeam at the bulkhead. I think it would be easier to install the drain tubes low than high. If I used flexible tube, there wouldnt be too much concern about it being pulled out by gear? With the tube low, in a pinch one could open the access port and the drain, and pump out the cockpit. You'd have to get out of the boat to open the access port though. The only way I can think of to be able to drain it while sitting in the boat would be a long flexible tube that you could blow into, pressurizing the compartment, and then let the pressure push the water out. Then you could just drain it overboard... If I put the hole in the bulkhead low, and ran the tube high, it wouldnt fill when swamping the cockpit.. That might work out real well.

> Paul--I think you've got an excellent idea there. Someone is sure to point
> out that if the flotation compartment is holed while in the middle of a
> long crossing there is no way to pump out the water. (As there would be
> with a keel-level drain tube, using the cockpit pump.) But since the
> flotation compartments in question are of minimal size I don't think of
> this as a serious problem.

> In fact, even with a normal sized cockpit and larger flotation
> compartments I would be comfortable with this venting/draining
> arrangement.