Hi Guys
Any Tips for installing the VCP Oval Hatch on my WD12? My manual shows one way
(just bolt it in), and says there is also a sleeker way, but doesnt offer any details on that. So any suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks so much,
Yak
For my money, I prefer the looks of a flush hatch on a wooden boat. The black VCP hatches are functional but subtract from the apperance. They came with the Petrel Play kit so I used them but wish that I had gone with flush instead. One way to minimize the black rubber is to mount it in recess which was also part of the PP kit. There is a good guy who runs a little custom kayak shop who actually has hatch recess plans for free. Take a look: http://watercraft.clearstreamwood.com/shop/plans-plywood-hatch-recesses/
OK, Thanks Mark M,
I'm convinced. You're right, it's ugly. But I dont like the Toggle Closers on the WD plans. Do you think the straps alone like some of these in the photo would work on a Wood Duck? Now I guess I need to look up the CLC return policy.
Straps are used on "on top" hatch covers. I doubt that would be a very secure way to hold a flush hatch cover in place and it adds clutter to the appearance of the boat. If you do not loik the wooden toggles, take a look at the Delrin toggles that CLC sells. That is what I used on three of the boats in the picture. Another approach would be the invisible hold down kit that CLC sells (http://www.clcboats.com/shop/products/boat-gear/kayak-gear-accessories/bungie-hatch-hold-down.html).
For my WD12 I made up a DIY version of CLC's invisible hold downs.
Details at Building a Wood Duck 12
Have fun,
Laszlo
Hm, Invisible hold down kit, I like that!
It looks great! How well does it work as far as functional, and water tight? I assume that notch is to get your finger in to open it.
Thanks for the tip.
Yak
On the Wood Ducklings I built my kids I used a flush hatch and used shock cord hold downs to match the rest of the deck rigging. A simple leash on the bottom of the hatch keeps it from straying too far. It was simple to do, simple for the kids to use on the water, and I like the look of it. No problems with the lid coming off when towing the kayaks on the highway.
Beyond the looks of the VPC, with this type of boat a hermetically sealed hatch seems like overkill (You can add some gasket material to the hatch lip if it's a concern). Go for aesthetics!
Good luck,
Patrick
OK this may be crazy talk, but just thinking outside the box.
If the hatch not an oval shape but more of square w round corners, then it can be hinged. And then opened and shut with a Latch. Anybody foresee any problem with that?