Dear Hobie: Please make a PA with an almost watertight hatch

Has anyone at Hobie thought about using adhesive magnetic strips to seal the hatch lid? Instead of trying to mash a compression gasket into shape with an eccentric latch, a magnetic strip would seal evenly around the entire circumference of the hatch. One strip on the lid edge and one on (or under) the deck may provide all the seal necessary for water intrusion. I would still use the bungee straps to keep gear from popping the lid open in the event of turtling. Refrigerator doors use these for an airtight seal. A little Googling shows that flexible magnetic stripping material is even available in the rare-earth non-ferrite supermagnets that hold so tightly. Just a thought...

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Thanks for the suggestions...we're working on improving the seal!

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Howie Strech
Parts & Accessories Product Manager
Hobie Cat USA

During a recent saltwater outing, I flipped my 2016 PA14. Several minutes went by before righting the kayak and once back in the seat, I checked the front hatch and liner. When I cleared both bungee retainers that hold the lid tight (right!!! ), the liner was completely filled with water. Luckily, I put my bilge pump to work and made quick of it. A word of caution; if you store a lot of gear in the liner which can add up in weight, once your boat is upside down, the weight presses against the lid allowing even more water in. It was not a pretty picture. Like most here, I find it hard to believe Hobie has not already addressed the problem. Hobie: please put your best foot forward and offer a complete and satisfactory solution for this very real problem. I love my Hobie, but hate the front hatch issue.

If you look at how large the PA-14 front storage hatch is, it's very "generous".

Consider the cover is only secured by 2 small bungee straps, it only stands to reason that if the hatch is loaded with heavy stuff as Str8shooter pointed out in his post, and the PA capsizes, the hatch cover "sags" and water intrusion is the result.

A couple of positive connected straps with buckles, "Adjustable Hatch Latch kit" will solve the problem, as has been suggested before.

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Ok, Austin Kayak does not carry this part (84501921), so where can I buy the straps??

The kit was not properly set up yet in our system. It is now. They can order it from us.

84501921 HATCH LATCH KIT - ADJUSTABLE $19.99 (7-2016 USA / USD)

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

So 4 straps are recommended and Hobie sells them for $20 EACH?

Two straps should create a secure watertight seal, but 4 makes certain you have something very sturdy in the event of a capsize. Ultimately it's up to the user as far as how many straps to install...When it comes safety, overkill on hatch latch straps wouldn't be a negative.

_________________
Howie Strech
Parts & Accessories Product Manager
Hobie Cat USA

I thought $20 gets you a pair. Is that right?

One per kit. This has sewn parts (webbing) and grommets that jacks up our costs.

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

I have a PA 12 and had the same problem when out in rough weather. I take out the liner to get a better seal on it and I also installed a 6" hatch with bag to help with access and limit the size of the hole when opened to keep out water, but still waiting on Hobie to repair the Skeg issue I have

I experienced the front hatch taking on water when I was launching in rough surf. The waves that broke right on my bow were the problem. The very front of the hatch nearest the handle is not a tight seal, and the force of the waves crashing there pushed water through that spot into the hull. I took the rubber gasket that is installed around the hatch opening and installed it on the lid itself. It's a little short of covering the whole edge of the lid, but worked much better at keeping that water from getting in. Maybe Hobie could just design a skirt that would fit over the bow area that us surf launch guys could use ? The new PA cover fits awesome...a skirt with similar dimensions could fit perfect and allow hatch access on the water if needed. Just a thought.

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