Circle hatch problem new outback

Circle Hatch problem: My new outback the rear circle hatch is perfect... but the one in front by my legs does not close flush there is like a 1/4" lip or so any way to fix this issue ? or is this a common thing?

Apply a light coating of silicon grease (plumbers silicon grease) to the o-ring with your finger and then push the cover closed.
You could also use "dielectric grease" from an auto parts store.

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Did you order this online or pick it up at a dealer? If you did get it from a dealer I would talk it over with them... that is if you don't want to deal with it yourself. (IMO when you spend this much $ on a kayak, you expect a certain level of quality control)

The hatches have a center lock and can tip a bit if the o-ring is dry causing friction. As mentioned above... lubricate with silicone. Never use a petroleum lube. That will ruin the o-ring. If the hatch is not level, simply press it down with your palm. In any case, the seal works even with a tipped lid. That is one of the features that is great about the design. The o-ring seals against the vertical cylinder rather than a flat surface like other hatches.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

is wd-40 silicone spray ok?
thanks for the advice.. yes i bought from a dealer an wish they saw this.. but not worth my time to drive 40 mins with it each way if a simple fix.

No! Wd40 is not OK!

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Even the silicone version ?

WD-40 has indicated that their silicone spray is safe for such applications, but NOT the regular WD-40 (which contains mostly petroleum based mineral spirits).

BTW, when properly screwed down, those hatches should be mostly flush, if not necessarily even. If it's actually sitting 1/4" high at the fastening point, be sure it's really screwed down and not in a "false" down, where the threads didn't engage!

Thanks .. The seal looks fine I will mess with the screws a little an try silicone

I have been using WD-40 silicone spray for this same problem and really helps. I also use it on the rudder moving parts.

I had a hatch problem also. The sides were warped up and it leaked. The local dealer gave me a new hatch to install.