Retrofit the new Twist-n-Seal Hatches to H18

I've had a lot of frustration lately with the screw-in ports on my H18, seems to be a drama every time my crew opens the port while under way. I lost one overboard and broke another by dropping it in the parking lot. (maybe it's just me)

Anyway I looked at the new Twist-n-Seal hatches at my local dealer and they looked pretty good, smoother on top than I thought looking at the catalog picture.

Has anyone installed these on a fiberglass Hobie?

_________________
Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
www.MemphisGuru.com
www.Catsailor.com
www.TheBeachcats.com

We have sold a few to cat owners, mostly kayak however. We have not had anyone complain about the install or problems after the fact. See if your dealer will let you do a quick install and see how they work before you buy them. it would be a win win for both.

_________________
Brad Stephens
[email protected]
(866) 786-5266 <--- Advice HOTline
http://www.sunjammers.com
www.facebook.com/sunjammers

I have heard one instance where someone that pitchpoled with the twist and seal popped it loose (probably not properly seated) and the hull filled with water. VERY rare occurrence I'm sure, but the possibility is there if you race in typically heavy winds and tend to push the boat to the limit.

Brad,

I'm not sure what you mean by a "quick install", it looks like I would have to cut or break the old ports off to install the new ones. The old ports (92 model) appear bounded to the hull.

It looks more like the experience of the pig at breakfast rather than the chicken. LOL

_________________
Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
www.MemphisGuru.com
www.Catsailor.com
www.TheBeachcats.com

You cat sailors in Oklahoma sail in more wind than anyone, hats off.

What boat were the twist-n-seal hatches on?

_________________
Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
www.MemphisGuru.com
www.Catsailor.com
www.TheBeachcats.com

yea i forget about those hatches being a pain to get off.......

_________________
Brad Stephens
[email protected]
(866) 786-5266 <--- Advice HOTline
http://www.sunjammers.com
www.facebook.com/sunjammers

I believe it was a Nacra 5.2.

A Twist-n-seal hatch "popped off"? That would be very odd. I would love to hear more on that. The original H18 ports were simply press-in lids and I have not heard of one falling out.

The Twist-n-seals are hinged on one side and a cork screw type lever locks them down. I would think it impossible for one to come loose in any stiuation.

These new hatches are really nice. The lids are captive. They seal better than anything else on the market.

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

See previous post on this subject:

http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=5145

_________________
Paul


2020 Getaway
http://www.fleet297.org

Will they be a suitable replacement on an 18? I'm just about to replace my screw-in hatches.

Evidently not, read the link in Powercat's post. It's a shame, I was really starting to get into the idea of using them vs the screw ports.

_________________
Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
www.MemphisGuru.com
www.Catsailor.com
www.TheBeachcats.com

Powercat is right... The new Twist-n-Seal hatch ring is 1" larger and would not be a perfect fit. I'll try to get someone here (we have 2 guys with H18s) to confirm that you could or could not make them fit with some modification or something.

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

Matt,

Any update on this? After examining the molded-in port area on my 18 it looks like major surgery to enlarge the hole, it's a shame.

With thousands of used 18's out there that will need new ports, maybe a special size of these hatches could be made? There are probably other beachcats that have used the same size deck hole.

_________________
Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
www.MemphisGuru.com
www.Catsailor.com
www.TheBeachcats.com

I have been waiting to take a picture of a sample deck modified by our engineers. My shop camera is... elsewhere in the factory.

It does work. You can align the forward edge of the hatch in the recess area and enlarge the access hole. Looks pretty clean. It does require some extra gasket material on the edges.

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

Any chance that Jeremy (Mr. Surf City) can create one of his wonderful videos showing how the installation is done? (There's an encouragement for you, Matt. Great pictures BTW. Can you email all dealers with the 'how to'?)

Now if every H18 owner were to ship one beer to Jeremy. . . .

_________________
2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'