Squeek Modifications

I have implemented some modifications of Squeek, my composite CD Squamish. So far I've made these changes:

• Added a white keel strip using the Keel Eazy product from kayakacademy.com
  
• Placed a stainless steel pad eye toward the bow, attached using well nuts from topkayaker.com
• Created a storage spot for the bilge pump under the deck, fore the cockpit 
• Attached a cord to the skeg blade so it the blade is stuck undeployed, it can be freed by a companion when far from shore
  
• Installed a paddle holder, styled after those on the Broze Brothers' Mariners, using a pair of open deck cleats also from topkayaker.com - looking like this
  

 

A friend and I practiced some self and assisted rescues the other day. There was significant water that leaked into both of Squeek's hatches. My guess was that the plastic bulkheads were leaking water from the flooded cockpit. It was too much water to come in through the hatch covers. Hence, I patched the inner bulkhead seams with Lexel, but am not quite done. I also tightened the hatch straps. 

At the next rolling practice, no water entered the bow or stern hatches. Of course, a rescue practice can swamp the kayak filling the cockpit more deeply, so that even the top of the bulkheads must not allow water through. So i may  need to ensure that the Lexel seal is adequate there also. However, it is clear that the hatch covers are doing their job.