Hatches on the T170 weren’t too bad
I went to the kayak shop downtown today to check out a few things. One was the rear hatch on the T170. It seemed a lot stiffer than the one on the T180 proto. I put some pressure on it and it didn’t seem to want to cave in like the one on the 180 proto. Maybe I wasn’t being as zealous as I had been out in the water, but I think I was pressing on it pretty good. The 170 was a roto and looked brand new. Maybe no grease on the rim if it was new. There was also a bungee around the outside rim of the cover. But upon removing the bungee it felt the same. Maybe the rear hatch is smaller on the 170 than 180 proto.
Steve, you around? Is the rear hatch on the T180 proto the same size as on the T170?
Any comment on the problem with the cover on the T180 wanting to push into the hatch? Come on man, I know you’re reading this :^).
I should point out, no way the hatch cover would be a deal breaker for me. The rest of the boat is just too much better for me than anything else I’ve tried. But the hatch cover is an area for improvement.
Paul S.
not sure
I agree the hatch on the proto 180 (blue/yellow) is fairly loose. might have been 303’ed a bit much. that can make any hatch more slippery than need be. i’ll put a new hatch on the 180 rim today and see what’s up.
steve
my backbands flip up
bulkheads create hard spots and can cause a fracture where a more flexible boat will just flex.
Sea sock as primary floatation?
That is not for me. It might work for you but if no bulkheads, I want tied float bags tied in both ends of my boat, perhaps with a sea sock as back up.
Joel, no doubt you know your business, but I would not want a newbie thinking that a sea sock and some loose dry bags is enough floatation for the sea.
Good Paddling to you!
303 em!
I would imagine that any rubber hatch will get trashed by the sun if you don’t take care of it. The VCP’s on our tandem seem to soak up the 303 compared to my Eddylines’ and my wifes Slipstreams’ kayaksport style hatches. Haven’t personally had any problems with either style.