Hi Emmett,

I'm glad to have your thinking on this. I like to cover basics 'right' from the begining and be done with 'em.

Anyway, from the posts here I am thinking that the 1/32" hole method may be ok with the 'location' being a factor to make the best of it. Now I think that perhaps 6" from the bottom or maybe even better just slightly below mid-line is best. That way a full cockpit swamp OR a full capsize would then put the least amount of water pressure @ the 1/32" hole. Comments?

Thanks again, if nothing else I 'feel' good about covering this issue and it comes at the perfect time for me.

Joe

: I understand what you mean. But realize that when you flip your kayak, and
: that 1/32" hole is at the top of the bulkhead you have about 1.5-1.75
: atmosphere of pressure on the "outside" of the space, and water
: will pour in to equalize that pressure (I believe that 3' of water equals
: about 14 psi or 1 additional atmosphere). If you put the hole at the
: bottom of the bulk head (water could now get in if your skirt leaks or you
: just flood) but when you flip, the hole is near or above the surface of
: the water and should not let water in, remaining in positive pressure (a
: small orifice should in effect be hydrophobic at this point). Perhaps this
: would be the auto drive method that works best??
: Emmett