I guess every capsize is different? One really can not say that some method is the best one - except when training in a pool. But it makes sense to have several options and skills in case S*** should happen. Could happen to a group - many down, few upright - or when paddling solo.

For what it may be worth, i can't see much sense in carrying a stick pump if the only way to use it is by opening the spray deck. Yet many people do just that. maybe it gives a sense of things being taken care of. Obviously, a spray deck with an opening for a pump is a good option too.

But my hatch really is a lunch box first and foremost, and also gives me an extra option for a rescue. Not that i have done many real rescues - i've only capsized once in twenty years (first season, fifth time out) and that was close to land - waves breaking over shallows. Hey! this inexperience kinda disqualifies me when it comes to rescues, doesn't it ? ;)

greetings,

risto

: I have only had one incident that actually required pumping the
: boat. A partner fell out of his boat so I did an assisted
: rescue. We did a quick boat dump to get excess water and flipped
: the boat upright. We had perhaps two inches of water in the boat
: by the time he was able to get in. This was a cold water rescue,
: so by the time he was back in the boat, it was more critical to
: get him to shore and in warm/dry clothing than to pump out the
: little bit of water that was in the boat.

: I guess my feeling is that if the water is rough enough to flood
: your boat, you probably are not going to be able to handle a
: pump without rafting up anyways. It is such an occasional event,
: that I'm not sure I would want to use space under the deck for
: this type of rigging. I usually carry my pump on the deck behind
: the cockpit.

: Just my two cents.