Posted by Dan Lind on February 23, 2007 at 04:21:33 from 64.59.144.24 user captain.
In the 'NOTHING CAN HAPPEN' chapter of WD, Jim reports that when the sea comes into the cockpit, it has to be pumped out. Surely the GOBLIN would have had cockpit drains - fittings and hoses between the cockpit to drain out through the lower parts of the stern or hull. If it didn't, when left in a long rain storm, it would sink. There is no mention of automatic bilge pumps. (Well, not battery.) Also, prior to starting the engine, Jim "...lifted a board in the floor of the cockpit..." so as to, "Give a turn to the grease cap on the stern tube." Surely a board in the floor of the cockpit would be an invitation to both the sea and rain pouring in. Where would it go but down into the bilge. It seems to me that either GOBLIN wasn't very well designed, AR wasn't worried about these details, or I've missed the boat.