| Installing a Center Hatch |
 |
| Written by Chris Parson |
| Saturday, 09 April 2011 06:24 |
|
Here I've installed the center hatch system on an Elie Horizon 130 which is standard equipment when you upgrade to the Elie Horizon 130 Angler package.
Using the hatch seating flange, I traced the inner opening for my cut. I then carefully followed that line free hand adding approximately 3/8 of an inch for clearance. The upper part of the flange gave me some oops room in the event that I over cut just a bit.
It's Not a bad idea to measure your hatch flange itself to make sure that you don't over cut. This area of your kayak will see a lot of weight transfer and abuse. It needs to remain as strong as possible.
Simply drill a hole and cut out your opening. I like to use a jigsaw on a slower setting for this.
Test fit your hatch. Make sure that your cut area is free of burrs and shavings prior to installing the hatch. Having a clean seating surface for your hatch flange is important as this area needs to seal tightly to keep water out as well.
Predrill and insert your screws or rivots. Feel free to add your prefered water seal here after test fitting your hatch cover. NOTE - once you have tightened your hatch screws, allow whatever you use as a sealant to dry through. If you plan to install a hatch storage pouch you don't want this pouch to be there perminantly.
You are ready to rock!
|
Login
Newsletter
Also of Interest
Most Popular
The Ultimate Home Made Kayak Fishing Trailer I really enjoy your magazine and I’m glad to see this sport catching on so much. Last winter, I got so hooked on kayak fishing that I bought two Hobie Outbacks and rigged them...
Buiding a Kai-Rack for Kayak They say that, "Necessity is the mother of invention," but in truth, sometimes a really bad case of cabin fever, combined with watching old Tim Allen’s Home Improvement...
Hummingbird Scupper Transducer Install on Ocean Torque Posts and DIY threads for this install are few and far between so I figured that I would keep a photo journal of how I made this install. I really didn't know what to...
Random
Buiding a Kai-Rack for Kayak They say that, "Necessity is the mother of invention," but in truth, sometimes a really bad case of cabin fever, combined with watching old Tim Allen’s Home Improvement...
Kayak Fishing "Rod Pod" I like the Rod Pod, but I'm sure you guys have heard reports of them leaking in the surf, this should take care of things. But, that wasn't the point of this project. I felt the...
Saltwater Kayak Fishing Checklist Ever get to the beach and realize you forgot to bring one of your essential items for fishing that day? Who hasn't? I have a list made from torn cardboard and written with a...
