Installing a Center Hatch

Written by Chris Parson

Saturday, 09 April 2011 06:24

Here I've installed the center hatch system on an Elie Horizon 130 which is standard equipment when you upgrade to the Elie Horizon 130 Angler package.

Using the hatch seating flange, I traced the inner opening for my cut. I then carefully followed that line free hand adding approximately 3/8 of an inch for clearance. The upper part of the flange gave me some oops room in the event that I over cut just a bit.

It's Not a bad idea to measure your hatch flange itself to make sure that you don't over cut. This area of your kayak will see a lot of weight transfer and abuse. It needs to remain as strong as possible.

Simply drill a hole and cut out your opening. I like to use a jigsaw on a slower setting for this.

Test fit your hatch. Make sure that your cut area is free of burrs and shavings prior to installing the hatch. Having a clean seating surface for your hatch flange is important as this area needs to seal tightly to keep water out as well.

Predrill and insert your screws or rivots. Feel free to add your prefered water seal here after test fitting your hatch cover. NOTE - once you have tightened your hatch screws, allow whatever you use as a sealant to dry through. If you plan to install a hatch storage pouch you don't want this pouch to be there perminantly.

You are ready to rock!

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