Posted by jas on July 24, 2002 at 11:58:42:
In Reply to: What's the deal with the large front hatch? posted by Ted on July 24, 2002 at 11:33:25:
: Jas,
: Is that standard equipment now? How does it change the price?
: How does the hatch work? Does it snap on? How water tight is it?
: -Ted
I'm not sure if they are still producing both types or what. The hatch version bare bones comes just under $400. Totally rigged for under $800 (call the Huntington location about what "totally rigged" includes, I know it's at least seat, paddles, rod holders, tankstraps).
The hatch seems to be pretty solid. They use riveted tie straps like the ones I've seen on Ocean Kayaks. The center hatch is the Cobra style. The front 38" hatch cover has the seal/gasket affixed to it rather than it being sealed to the outside rim of the hatch (hope this makes sense). When you put the hatch lid/cover down to close you need to align it correctly. I had it aligned wrong once, but the most water that got in from taking a breaker or two over the bow was 3/4 cup of water. It's not hard to align, I was maybe being a little lazy when closing it shut that time. The hatch is 38". It's a great feature. But then again, I haven't rolled it in the surf repeatedly. That would be a good test, but I think it would hold up fine.