: That would work for the aft compartment, but a float bag (or
: combined float/gear bag) and a few lash points inside the hull
: for line or shock cord to keep 'stuff' from sliding forward
: would be easier.

: Access to the front compartment via the cockpit could be tricky....
: ? Unless you are very skinny/long-limbed or have kids who are
: non-claustrophobic?
: BTW, screw-in plates can sometimes need a bit of muscle to get
: moving- difficult at arms length.

: I put in an inspection plate/hatch in the fwd bulkhead on one of my
: boats, but that was for accessing the footpeg adjustments and
: bolts on a boat with an 'Ocean' cockpit- access was via the
: front (deck) hatch, then through the bulkhead.

: The big advantage of float bags is that you can pump the (whole)
: boat from the cockpit; there's no chance of water accumulating
: in a compartment - though without deck hatches you'd need to
: damage the boat to get a leak anyway.

: BTW, for a race boat, I'd consider an Elvstrom bailer to keep the
: boat dry, though perhaps not a big issue if using a spraydeck...

An Elvstrom bailer works great if you don't have a skirt, sucks the water out very quickly. Kinda surprised that more kayaks don't have them, work lots faster than most pumps.

Bill H.