Sorry to go against the majority but somebody has to. I've paddled for over 40 years and none of my boats have ever had bulkheads, and that includes SOF, S&G, strippers and commercial kayaks. I am able to pack and unpack very quickly and in one unplanned and many practice dumps in various conditions I have never had a problem with too much water in the boat. I think it's all a metter of what you get used to and practice. Having said that I do understand that bulkheads and hatches are a great confidence booster for beginners. I just get a little over excited when bulkheads and hatches are discussed as the only option.