Not sure if you ever figured out the padding, but did notice on the official hobie YouTube passport hatch installation (or maybe outfitting a passport 12 for fishing video?) they mention padding on hatch not necessary. Reasoning was side padding more flush therefore more comfortable with top of rectangular hatch as is. I have seen a third party that does custom padding that had the passport 12 grid - looked nice and there were lots of colors including a few grays and black to choose from, so if you are still in the market, it's out there.
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