tonystott wrote:
Sorry, but I really think you are unrealistic in your expectations, for several reasons
1. The rotomolding process is by its nature, imprecise. Alignment of parts simply cannot be guaranteed to be perfect.
2. These vessels can travel through the water at relatively high speeds (20-30kmh), which increases the dynamic pressure of water against any of the seals.
3. Due to the very low freeboard, and the high probability of fire-hose strength airborne spray from the aka knuckles, the whole hull can be in an extremely wet environment for a lot of the time.
4. The necessity for 4 holes through the hull for rudder lines introduces the classic balancing act between watertightness and lack of friction - pick one.
While it is of course worthwhile to ensure that the seal of the front hatch is as effective as possible, especially due to the wave-piercing design of the bow, I believe that expecting the interior of the hull to remain bone-dry is a futile hope. I accept the need for some dry bags if I want to ensure anything I store in the hull remains dry, and I suspect you will increase enjoyment of your Island if you lower your expectations just a touch.
First, I love my AI and really don't need to increase enjoyment sailing it.
This video (from 3:19 to 3:44) gives a good picture of what to expect.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ti1n_Ygz6cwI don't think the front hatch design meet up to these conditions. As you say:
tonystott wrote:
2. These vessels can travel through the water at relatively high speeds (20-30kmh), which increases the dynamic pressure of water against any of the seals.
3. Due to the very low freeboard, and the high probability of fire-hose strength airborne spray from the aka knuckles, the whole hull can be in an extremely wet environment for a lot of the time.
You are right! And I think the front hatch should be designed to meet your statements.
About rudderlines, maybe a better solution is to let ALL that stuff be mounted OUTSIDE hull. You can still use tubes lowered in a deck ditch. But that is minor problem and could be free to owners creativity to fix.
br thomas