flotation

[Roger]

How well does a 14 handle being swamped?
Do I need floatation bags put into the side lockers?

[Renae]

In general, there are far more incidents of sailors who don't float than sailboats.  Wear PFD at all times and respect conditions.

[Bob23]

Yes, I agree. We just lost a man up here in NJ who was out rowing and got caught in a tornado like squall. He had a PFD on when he left...they found him without it. It didn't need to happen.
Bob23

[Jon898]

Roger:

Welcome aboard.  Note that you've posted this in the CP-14 area and not the Picnic Cat area.  You'll probably find a lot of good stuff in the latter area (the CP-14 is a really rare beast).

Jon

[Finbar Beagle]

I have 6 flotation bags.  There is so much storage that I don't notice them.  Mine are optimist flotation bags.  I got lucky, previous owner did a great job on the extras. 

I have never needed the bags, but it's good to know the boat will be found if the hull is breached. 

[PawsCat]

I also have 6 or 7 Optiparts flotation bags in my PC. It gives me peace of mind, just in case....

[Roger]

Sounds like a good idea. Is there no manufacturers flotation in the boat?
Also I am on Long Beach Island in NJ. Does the pc have any kind of class association where they are raced?

[Finbar Beagle]

The PC does not have enough flotation, especially is you plan to stay in swamped cockpit.

Also, the locker hatches, at least on early models, are not good at staying shut when you need them to.

I plan to replace this season, with ones that have a positive clasp. 

[bruce]

+1 about the locker latches. I like draw latches like these, that pull the hatch tight, and installing weather strip.
https://www.sugatsune.com/product/draw-latch-12/

I do know someone in CA racing his PC, against other boats, and I do know of at least one instance of issuing a Portsmouth rating for a PC about 15-20 years ago. Not much racing going on!