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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: Bulkheads
Posted By: Matt Brammer In Response To: Re: Bulkheads *Pic* (John Monroe)
Date: Friday, 4 March 2005, at 1:13 p.m.
Hi John,
I was going to wait until after your test to comment, but can't help myself. I think your idea has merit, but only as a supplement to primary floatation, such as bulkheads, seasocks or substantial float bags. If you'll have another look at Deep Trouble, you'll see where the authors state that adequate floatation will keep the coaming of a fully swamped kayak AND PADDLER above water level (not a direct quote, but close). If your set-up passes that floatation test, that means your BOAT is ready for the flood test.
However, I still don't agree with purposely flooding your kayak as part of your rescue technique, not only because of the inherent instability all that water presents, but also the increased risk from immersion hypothermia. US Navy survival studies have determined that hypothermia comes on up to 3 times (?) more quickly when the victim is submersed in cold water than if they were exposed to air of the same temp. I think that is stated in Deep Trouble as well. Your survival time in even moderately cold conditions is dramatically reduced when you don't get yourself out of the water, unless you happen to be paddling in a hot spring :-). Besides, just the thought of hard beaching that beautiful boat of yours in rough conditions with several hundred pounds of water in her gives me the shivvers.My $.02US, discounted for deflation,
MB: Hi Robert,
: As you can see in the picture I have a good deal of foam floatation for the
: bow and stern. But it was only a guess of how much to use. But when the
: kayak is flooded I will give it the hang on the ends test and if it go
: under like my canoe did then I add more floatation. But this kayak is
: loaded with floatation. The side floatation, which is 5 inches wide,
: starts ½ “ thick at the bow and stern and reaches a thickness of 2 ½” at
: mid section. I have 3 ½ camping sleeping mattresses in the makings of the
: side floatation.: John
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