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Oxford Shell Cockpit-Reducing Volume
I have an Oxford Shell outfitted with a Piantedosi deck mounted rowwing and a self bailer. I have been in water rough enough to fill the cockpit which could not be removed even though I have a self bailer. I'm thinking of trying to reduce the volume of the cockpit by custom building small decks/platforms within the cockpit around the rowwing. The goal is to reduce volume and create more positive floatation. Any tried this or have any thoughts?
6 replies:
RE: Oxford Shell Cockpit-Reducing Volume
I hadn't thought of that but will look into it. Clearly a quick way to increase the saftey. Thanks.
RE: Oxford Shell Cockpit-Reducing Volume
It took some time, but I finally completed some modifications to my Oxford Shell. I built a deck inside the cockpit that fits just below the row wing. There is still a small area beneath the foot stretchers that collects any water coming into the cockpit and then drains through the self bailer. I still need to test the set up, but with the additional positive floatation and reduced cockpit volume, I expect I'll be able to keep moving even if I happen to catch a couple of larger wave. I'm much more comfortable rowing this as a open water shell now.
[images removed]
RE: Oxford Shell Cockpit-Reducing Volume
Interesting! I have been contemplating a similar setup. I would be interested to see another picture showing how you installed the rowing unit.
Thanks!
RE: Oxford Shell Cockpit-Reducing Volume
I bought the shell used a few years ago. The row wing is deck mounted and has a small plate at each end that bolts to a small deck. I haven't seen too many Oxford's, and in fact am not sure I have ever seen another one up close, but recall talking to someone who suggested they are not all set up like this. You can see a little of the decks and the deck plates in a couple of the photos.
[images removed]
RE: Oxford Shell Cockpit-Reducing Volume
Really interesting and very nice work!
Thanks for the additional photos.
RE: Oxford Shell Cockpit-Reducing Volume
» Submitted by JayC - Thu, 8/5/10 » 6:04 PM
Have you tried a white water canoe air bag? Less permanent and would be a flexible fit (pardon the pun:-)