> 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.

Actually, a well sealed compartment, even if badly holed, does nto take on water anywhere near as fast as an open compartment, due to the trapped air. It is like trying to submerge an open bottle. You need to tip it so that the air can get out while the water flows in. You would have to both puncture the compartment, and tip the boat so the hole was partially above water and the trapped air could vent out before that compartment would completely flood. Partially flooded it should still have plenty of bouyancy.

> There is a deckbeam at the bulkhead.

OK, consider two drains, and two corks One on each side of the deckbeam.

> I think it would be easier to install
> the drain tubes low than high.

Isn't it funny how water tends to collect in places that are the most difficult to install drains :)

> If I used flexible tube, there wouldnt be
> too much concern about it being pulled out by gear?

The bigger the drain tube the more likely it is to get snagged on something. Murphy's Law.

> 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.

And right back into your face if you are not real carefull. Did you want to drink that bilge?

> 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.

OK, think of two holes n that bulkhead. One high with a hose you can blow into, and one low, with a hose long enough to reach out of the boat. You blow in the top one and pressurize the sealed hold, creating enough pressure to force out water through either the bottom drain, or the existing cracks/ punctures in the hull. Hmm, with a simple air pump, like that used for blowing balloons or inflating basketballs, you could make a rather lightweight bilge pump of sorts.

Of course, pull the hoses off when storing the boat so these compartments can easily drain. Otherwise your drainagw will be upset by any high spots in the hose.

Hope this helps. It was a silly idea any how.

Paul G. Jacobson