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| Home >> Class Rules - Queries & Suggestions >> Rule Modification Suggestion C.6.1.3.W Regarding Padded Decking |
I hope that you are well. I apologise for not repsonding earlier.
We apreciate your suggestons but after discussion do not think that either change is a good idea.
Based on the experience of various people over a number of years, we know that the weak point of any padding attachment is the edges. It comes away at the edges first. Therrfore, creating additional edges for the channel creates more weak points, and the edges of the central channel will be located where the sailor's boots are kicking more often.
Also, 5mm is too heavy and more likely to damage the hull; retaining more water around the surface for longer. You should not be able to feel the non-skid to any signifcant degree through 3mm. If you need more padding you could use knee pads. There are many different types available from saling clothing suppliers.
I am grateful for your suggestions.
Happy sailing
David Rickard (Measurer)
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I recently installed padded decking to my Aero. I have two suggestions for the class to modify the exisitng rule based on my experience...
1 - The class rule states that the pads have to be one uniform piece and cover the entirety of the non-skid. I suggest adding the option to allow the decking on the cockpit floor to be installed in two halves with the seam running from the front to back of the cockpit. The reason for this is drainage. A narrow seam between the two halves will allow any water that has pooled in the front of the cockpit and around the hiking strap fitting to find an additional path to drain out the transom. This is particularly important for the hiking strap fittng in the middle of the cockpit. Water is capable of pooling around the fitting with no drainage with the current rule. This will also make installation much easier.
2 - Increase the maximum thickness allowed from 3mm to 5mm. The decking provides relief for you knees and feet (if you sail barefoot) from the overly aggressive non-skid. However at 2.5mm, which is the class-legal thickness available from Raptor Deck, it does not provide enough support or relief for the arthritis I have in my knees from 35 years of Star boat racing.
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