Bulkhead

A bulkhead is a vertical partition that divides a vessel into compartments. In a kayak, a bulkhead is waterproof, creating waterproof compartments.

More importantly, bulkheads limit the amount of water that can get into the boat in the event of a wet exit. The reserve buoyancy provided by these compartments makes it possible to keep the kayak afloat and re-enterable. This is important to keep the kayak seaworthy and improves the safety of the boat.

Bulkheads can increase the weight of the boat as well as increase stressing around where the bulkhead joins the hull. They can often leak (especially in plastic boats which flex more than composite hulls) and should be inspected regularly. Bulkheads necessitate hatches for gear storage, which can limit the size of gear that can be loaded.

Float bags are not only just an alternative to bulkhead compartments, they should also be used as a back-up safety measure for boats with bulkheads.

Since the bulkheads can make a compartment airtight as well, this can cause problems. If the pressure in the compartment increases, it can blow the cover off the hatch. Similarly, if the pressure reduces, it can suck down on the hatch cover and make it difficult to remove. For this reason, some manufacturers drill a tiny hole in the bulkhead to relieve pressure. If you are having problems with pressure, drill a hole in the bulkhead to allow air pressure to equalize. The hole should be the smallest possible and located at the centre of the bulkhead. Since there is usually a bit of water in the cockpit, putting the hole at the bottom will make for a leak, Similarly. putting the hole at the top will be a problem if the kayak goes upside down. Hence the centre.