Chekika wrote:
Regarding leakage into the hull, those who think they do not have a problem need to put their boat into "expedition" mode with 6-7 days of gear, supplies, & water to get a real test. An AI with a 150 lb. load, plus a 200 lb. operator, rides very low in the water. The "wave spearing hull" now regularly submarines and frequently has 2" of water running over the bow and front hatch. The side edge of the front hatch is partially under water when the boat is heeled over. If you have 1 ft chop and are driving your expedition-loaded AI at 4-6 mph for 10-15 miles, you have conditions to test whether your boat leaks.
Keith
Thanks for that comment Keith! Very wise words. Some of the AI's does not leak at all
or maybe they are not tested in right conditions. Who knows?
As said before, I love my AI, but before I really can wish for higher seat or added freeboard or some other genius modification, I wish for watertight hull.
The small extra effort to add sealant to all fittings and fix watertight rudderlines etc etc, I can take. But the fact (or my opinion) that ALL hatches are leaking water must come first. Therefore is my dream a watertight hull that I can trust on. Then comes the rest...
br thomas