Collision bulkheads

[petem]

Ships and ocean going yachts have collision bulkheads so that if they hit something like a large container (or perhaps a buoy) then they don't sink.

Am I right in thinking that smaller boats don't have this safety feature? If so why not and at what size is it a realistic proposition?

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.FairlineOwnersClub.com>Fairline Owners Club</A>

 

[oldgit]

always that that smaller boats normally have watertight bulkhead twixt eng compartment and rest of boat.not sure if rest of boat would keep afloat if aft bit flooded.

<hr width=100% size=1>If it aint broke fix it till it is.

 

[MainlySteam]

Most jurisdictions require collision bulkheads in all commercial vessels over a certain length - usually that length is around 40 foot.

The bulkhead has to be aft of the forward waterline of course but it is common in smaller vessels to allow a stepped bulkhead so that there is less intrusion into the volume of the boat and also less flooded volume in the case of the watertight compartment being flooded.

John

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