Hatch Cover Kits - water proofness on a turtle?

Hi folks,

For anyone with experience with adding the Hobie 5" or 6" hatch cover kits, is there any cautionary issue with them leaking excessively in the situation of a turtle? I'm not concerned with 100% water tightness and even if they leak 'somewhat', the boat should be righted quickly.....should be.... I guess I'm just feeling some trepidation with putting a 5" hole in a hull that has no bulkhead separation.

I'm probably just being paranoid but it's easier to ask those with experience now than to deal with it on the water in a worst case scenario.

Thanks al!

You're talking about a basic screw in access port? Yes, they are fine. These hatches have been used on Hobies as well as countess other types of boats for decades. Just be sure to use silicone caulk around the flange when installing the port. As long as the port cover is screwed down securely, there is no issue.

sm

Excellent. Thank you. Paranoia removed.

I just wanted to say that I am really pleased with my new hatches and fatbags.

Once I saw them up close, I saw that my fear was unfounded as the Hobie line really is 'The Real Deal'. After a smooth installation (except for the dread of cutting holes in my boat) they turned out water tight and look pretty good to boot.