> The Great Lakes Sea Kayaking group does not allow boats with foam
> bulkheads to be used in classes (rescue in particular). I believe that the
> problem is that if you do boat over bow types of rescues the foam does
> come loose when the water in the boat hits it.

In my latest boat I was thinking of epoxying a 3/8" lip on the "dry" side of the bulkheads as a brace against just this. I wouldn't think this would create too much of a "hard spot" as it should still be flexible enough in case of a hit on a rock.

To install the bulkhead I would still cut it slightly oversized, put a bead of calk around the cockpit side of lip and press the foam into it. Then calk the cockpit side of the foam as usual. This would keep the foam from popping out when the water hits it.

Also in addition to foot pedals I usually put a wide piece of foam velcro'd to the bulkhead as a footbrace (so I can move my feet around for comfort but still be bracing). The lip would keep the bulkhead from being moved from bracing against it.

Edgar