: Do I need bulkheads in my kayak? Are there reasons besides providing 3
: separate floatation compartments and adding some stiffness? My kayak is 14
: ft, already very stiff, and I'd rather not put bulkheads in. For safety
: purposes I could always use flotation bags.

I definitely recommend bulkheads for flotation purposes (safety). This does not mean that you also have to put in hatches. I have bulkheads without hatches and don't miss the hatches one bit. I moved the rear bulkhead 1 foot back so I have room to put a dry bag behind my seat, which is more than enough for daytrips. Not having to build hatches saves a lot of work and leakage hassles.

The front bulkhead is also useful as a footrest support. Make sure it is far enough forward to accomodate your legs in any useful position. Then you can shape a piece of styrofoam to create a footrest backed up against the bulkhead. Another work saver.

For longer boats I am convinced that it also adds strength, perhaps not critical for your 14 footer.

Henk