JEM Watercraft

Hi folks,

First time builder here and would just like to say first that this forum has been a huge help so far in my build cheers!
I'm building the free version of the Laker 13 and so far everything is going fairly smoothly. I just have a question regarding bulkheads and frames. At the moment I have all frames permanently glued in and I have cut out the center of Frame no.2 in order to use the space as a storage compartment.

Is it worth trying to make the bulkheads watertight or should I just cut holes in the frames so if water gets in it can drain out?

Is the lip on the bottom of the frame no.2 cutout going to cause issues with water build up in the hatch?

Couldn't seem to get the images embedded onto the post so I've added some links for context (used a site called imgbb), hopefully they work.

Frame no.2 cutout:
https://ibb.co/6wjb9Lc

Frame no.2 installed on kayak:
https://ibb.co/nkrjfL1

Frame no.2 installed on kayak 2:
https://ibb.co/12RGsd2

Cheers,
Dan

I typically recommend just leaving hatch open when the kayak is in storage. Wipe up any excess water with a rag or sponge.

If you plan on sealing in the bulkhead, you could drill a 1/8" hole at the top of the bulkhead. I had a prototype canoe with sealed bulkheads that sat out in the elements with sealed bulkhead and no pin hole drilled. I ended up cutting that hull up and the sealed chambers had no condensation. So food for thought.

Ok thanks a lot, that's put my mind at ease. Thought I might be asking for trouble by sealing the bulkheads

Cheers,
Dan