Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Trending
    • How to do the Kayak Forward Sweep Stroke
    • 6 Popular Kayaking Strokes
    • An Ergonomic Approach to Whitewater Kayaking
    • Low-Brace Techniques for Kayaking
    • Surf Kayak Techniques
    • Strap a Kayak and Paddle to a Roof Rack
    • Canoe and Kayak Launch Etiquette
    • All About Surf Kayaking
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Kayak Manual
    Subscribe
    Tuesday, February 7
    • Home
      • About
    • Contact
      • Write for Us
    • Privacy Policy
      • Disclaimer
    • Kayak Types
      • Inflatable Kayaks
      • Budget Kayak
      • Folding Kayaks
      • Kayak for Rapids
      • Kayaks for Kids
      • Sit-In Kayaks
      • Sit-On-Top Kayaks
      • Tandem Kayaks
      • Touring Kayaks
    • Blog
    Kayak Manual
    Home » Installing a Hatch in Your Kayak
    kayak

    Installing a Hatch in Your Kayak

    Arthur G. MooreBy Arthur G. MooreJanuary 3, 2023Updated:January 3, 2023No Comments2 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Drilling a simple hole in your kayak can be a bit intimidating the first time you do it. Imagine what it’s like when you decide to install a hatch!

    Contents

    • 1 Steps to Install A Hatch in Your Kayak
      • 1.1 First, Measure & Measure & Measure
      • 1.2 Next – Make The Cut
      • 1.3 Clean Up The Edges
      • 1.4 Apply Some Heat
      • 1.5 Install the Gasket
      • 1.6 Attach the Gasket

    Steps to Install A Hatch in Your Kayak

    First, Measure & Measure & Measure

    Make sure that the hatch will fit the area to which you are installing it. You can only cut your hole once, so make certain it’s in the right spot. We measured and then drew dots and then a line on our bare boat.

    Next – Make The Cut

    You can use a roto-zip, jig saw or any similar cutting tool. We used a jig saw. By the way, don’t worry if you cant cut in a perfect straight line, the next step addresses this.

    TIP- Make sure you save your extra plastic..it can come in handy for future bottom or hole repairs.

    Clean Up The Edges

    Now that you have a roughed out opening, you’ll need to clean up the sides and all the little plastic snards on the lip.

    The sandpaper/file technique works fine for this. Troy has a compressor and the rotary tool really worked well and made this process much easier. It also lets you clean up the curve in your cut.

    Apply Some Heat

    Heat gives the plastic a little flare and really makes the opening look sharp, while taking the sharp edge off of it. Use a torch to heat up the plastic just until you see it start to shine. Work your way around the opening.

    Install the Gasket

    We used lacquer thinner to clean the area that the gasket adheres to.

    Attach the Gasket

    Starting in the center on the cockpit side, we removed the backing from the gasket and screwed it into place.

    After the gasket is in place it’s a good idea to silicone the inside of it to prevent any leaking.
    That’s it. It’s really not as difficult as it sounds and if you are installing a different kind of hatch (one that has to be riveted or screwed) just follow the steps until you have a rough opening, clean the opening, and rivet the hatch base on to the opening. (apply a marine silicone to the bottom of the hatch base prior to riveting to ensure a water tight seal)

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleDrilling and Sealing holes in A Kayak
    Next Article Repairing Scratches on The Bottom of A Kayak
    Arthur G. Moore
    • Website

    Arthur G. Moore is a veteran paddler. He has over 10 years of whitewater kayaking experience in his kitty. When he was young, he used to love kayaking in rapid III and rapid IV but as time went on, he decided to concentrate mainly on covering long distances on a standard touring kayak. He is currently working as a senior editor for Kayak Manual.

    Related Posts

    How to do the Kayak Forward Sweep Stroke

    February 7, 2023
    Read More

    6 Popular Kayaking Strokes

    February 6, 2023
    Read More

    An Ergonomic Approach to Whitewater Kayaking

    February 6, 2023
    Read More

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER

    KayakManual.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, We earn from qualified purchases.

    ABOUT KAYAK MANUAL

    Kayak Manual is a blog that aims to help aspiring kayakers and canoeists get the most out of their experience. We cover topics such as where to find the best kayaking and canoeing spots, what gear to bring, and safety tips. Our goal is to provide readers with everything they need to know to have a safe and enjoyable time kayaking and canoeing.

    About Kayak Manual

    Kayak Manual is trying to help both beginners and seasoned kayakers to have a great time on the water by providing them with the most comprehensive and up-to-date information available about kayaking.

    We hope that this manual will provide you with all of the information that you need to get started kayaking or to improve your existing skills. In addition, we have included many helpful tips and resources that we hope you will find useful.

    Affiliate Disclaimer

    KayakManual.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, We earn from qualified purchases.

    Recent Posts
    • How to do the Kayak Forward Sweep Stroke
    • 6 Popular Kayaking Strokes
    • An Ergonomic Approach to Whitewater Kayaking
    • Low-Brace Techniques for Kayaking
    • Surf Kayak Techniques
    • Strap a Kayak and Paddle to a Roof Rack
    Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
    © 2023 ThemeSphere. Designed by ThemeSphere.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.