Flush hatch covers

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doogalob
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Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2007 6:02 pm

Flush hatch covers

Post by doogalob »

I am working on a tandem Reliance Kayak, my first build. I have used KayakCraft religiously to build it. I am to the point of cutting out the cockpits and hatches. I really like the the flush mount hatches that I am seeing and am thinking of substituting this style for the exposed frame style used in the book. Unfortunately I am finding very little on how to achieve this look and keep a good seal on the hatches. Are there some instructions that I could follow or hardware that could be purchased to do this?
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Kudzu
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Post by Kudzu »

I will be at that stage very shortly. One of my favorite sites for how too's is Robs(??) site.

http://www.orcaboats.ca/o_howto.htm

I am leaning toward the magnetic hatches. I will probably use plywood to build the lips though.
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Bryan Hansel
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Post by Bryan Hansel »

Flush? I need to win you over to the darkside. Rubber Kajaksport hatches.

Image

For flush hatches, you basically build a fiberglass lip using the hull and the hatch cut-out as a mold. Then you use a weather sealant made from rubber or foam and apply pressure against the rubber foam to seal it. There are many ways to apply pressure from magnets, straps, crack down units. You can see the crank downs in the picture below.

Here's an article about it: http://www.outer-island.com/FlushHatches.html

Image
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pawistik
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Location: Saskatoon, SK

Post by pawistik »

Kudzu wrote:One of my favorite sites for how too's is Robs(??) site.

http://www.orcaboats.ca/o_howto.htm
That's Rod Tait. Rod has some good "how-to's" on his web site.

Another really great place for learning techniques, inlcuding flush hatches is the One Ocean web site. Vaclav has many good tips & techniques: http://oneoceankayaks.com/Shop.htm.

Cheers,
Bryan
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pawistik
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Joined: Sun Nov 28, 2004 11:20 pm
Location: Saskatoon, SK

Post by pawistik »

There's more, with pictures on "Ken's Kayak Pages", which also has a number of other useful techniques. See his article on hatch lip construction at: http://www.dbeweb.com/kayak/pages/hatches.html

The method Ken & Vaclav described is what I used on my kayak.

http://pawistik.blogspot.com/2006/06/co ... t-and.html

Cheers,
Bryan
doogalob
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Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2007 6:02 pm

Post by doogalob »

Thanks guys, your replies are extremely helpful! I like having options to choose from. :applause
KenC
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Joined: Tue Jun 01, 2004 10:42 pm
Location: Oakville, ON

Post by KenC »

I also used the Vaclav-style flush hatch, with recessed channel for the gasket, and magnetic closure ... I like the system ... clean & simple in use, but a little more effort to make, than some other methods, I imagine ... mine are not 100% leakproof ... the gaskets are 4 years old, so probably due for replacement, but in pool sessions last month, I'd get maybe a cup of water in the rear hatch, after 40 or 50 rolls.

Headed for the cottage this weekend, so maybe I'll pick up a roll of new gasket material to take along.

I'm guessing those rubber Kajaksport lids are very dry ... Bryan??
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Bryan Hansel
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Post by Bryan Hansel »

The KajakSport hatches are pretty darn close, if not, 100% dry. They suck in and bulge out with changes in air temp, or when you put the boat on cold water. I was sick of the leaks I had in my flush hatches, so I changed to something that I knew works.
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