Friday, November 20, 2009

4th Hatch
The Cetus features, as many of you know, a fourth hatch located just ahead of the cockpit. As sea kayakers, we all know that it is a no-no to open the forward or rear hatch while on the water. To do so is an invitation to disaster and a Cleopatra's Needle. So, along came the day hatch, a smaller compartment located just behind, on he left, of the paddler. Smaller, opening it only risks taking on a small amount of water, albeit amid ship where it would not be much of a problem. In high seas, however, paddlers inexperience in Yoga or pretzel bending may have some trouble getting to it. The stage is set for the 4th hatch.

My first concern was that my knees would be constantly banging into it. No such problem as the space it takes below deck is actually beyond my knees. the only problem is that I lost my favorite place to hang my pump. I don't believe it will go behind the seat (I just bought a new pump and haven't tried to put it there), and it is not skinny enough to go between the hull and the seat support. I do not want to carry it on deck where it is in the way and can be washed off.

So, I am happy to report that I have not yet solved all the problems of life. Who said, Duct Tape?"

Paddle safe...
DS

9 comments:

Brian Day said...

You could go with the John Carmody approach to the pump... just throw that sucker in the cockpit and forget about it. If you need it, it will be there.

Silbs said...

Geez, that's so sloppy and lacks class. Besides, it is exactly what I've been doing :)

Brian Day said...

NICE! I think that Aquabound makes a short pump that fit behind the seat last time I tried it...

RoyM said...

There is also a smaller diameter pump made by Beckson (the 118P)
http://www.beckson.com/tmpumps.html

might fit where the bigger one doesn't

Best Wishes
Roy

Silbs said...

I'll check on that.

gnarlydog said...

Silbs, not sure if tinkering is your game but I view the hand operated pump as an emeregency back up to an electric bilge pump.
In Australia some sea kayak Clubs require a hands free pump (foot or electric).
Not a fan of foot pumps (big feet that hit the deck) I have installed about a dozen electric bilge pumps in mine and friend's kayaks.
For a detailed article with pictures on the install: http://gnarlydognews.blogspot.com/2009/04/shop-electric-bilge-pump-in-kayak.html
Does the Cetus have enough room behind the seat for an electric bilge pump?

Silbs said...

That is one hell of an idea. I had these pumps on my sailboats. Your article is excellent, although I must admit I got a pain in my groin when I saw the picture of the drill going through the deck :) I am going to consider it as a project. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Hello Silbs,

yes - to anything on deck not nailed down WILL come off in surf.
Since my 1st trip to Oz on a long paddle up the east coast, I have used 'olive cleats' (Whitworths) to hold things down.
Gone in and out of heavy surf with spare paddle & hand pump firmly secured.
(can't get these things here in the US - have seen them in the UK)

(I do agree with gnarlydog that electic pump is best - though I don't like to rely on anything I can't fix)
Andy

Silbs said...

I totally agree. I, too, am uncomfortable with stuff I cannot fix or jury rig under duress. I do, however, remember how well the electrical bilge pumps worked on my sail boats. Of course, I had a motor to fire up to recharge the battery. I would dread being caught out only to find my batteries were dead.