Obi1 wrote:
Why if so many people have this issue , would they just not have these items installed by default ? I saw posts regarding this issue a year before and I just bought my yak 2 months ago why would it not be included in newer models ?
I responded to this same issue just last night and was wondering the exact same thing...
"In my humble but most accurate opinion, Hobie needs to find a solution and fix that immediately. I've seen where guys have come up with some inexpensive solutions for a front hatch fix, but it makes you wonder why Hobie hasn't already addressed the problem before they leave Hobie-Land??? Sealing the rod tube ends to prevent water draining into the hatch while standing was an easy excellent start towards a dry hatch... now a factory hatch seal will "seal da deal"! Cable inserts from the FF and other electronics could be siliconed as needed and desired by each individual owner.
I love the air-tight, water-proof seal on my Ocean Kayak BG II... It's just too bad I can't switch it over to one of the PA. I still hope to get a Pro Angler soon, but you can bet that a fix for the front hatch will be the first thing I'll tackle!"One thing that I would recommend would be to insert several (5-6) beefy pool noodles inside the PA. That should at least keep it from sinking to the bottom of the ocean/lake. I did the same on my OK BG II. Even if the entire hull was filled with water, the internal pool noodles should keep me slightly above water where I could still paddle back even with the yak mostly/partly submerged.
That isn't the cure, but only insurance if the other precautions fail. Obi1, that's the first time I've seen someone include that type of a latch. It looks like it could work providing you had a much better seal underneath. The seal underneath is the most important, then the method of securing and maintaining a tight fit. I still like Ocean Kayak's quick sealing method best. Perhaps Hobie will come up with a simple solution soon (before I get mine
I hope you are able to work out solution and game plan for your fix soon!