Another thread pointed out some current Wilderness Systems kayak models (Tsunamis) are available again. I got curious and followed the link and found that the current Wilderness Systems website appears to have more spare parts available than I remember them having in the past. Specifically, they always listed the oval rear hatch cover for the Tempest 170 as “not available”, and they directed you to see if any retailers like topkayaker had them. Now, the website shows it as available for order. So, if you’ve given up on any Wilderness Systems spare parts, it might be worth trying again.
Instead of going through parts a page at a time (it’s slow), you can use the search function on the home page. I searched for “hatch cover” and it took me to all of the hatch covers on the parts page:
That news will make a lot of owners happy. For some reason the Wilderness Systems kayaks, especially Tsunamis, are denegrated by many kayakers. Conversely, the actual owners who make careful selection decisions typically give great reviews. What disturbs me is a frequent implication that the owners either don’t know any better, are afraid of a challenge, or they’re overweight. I wonder if the iimplication is that unless a paddler fits in a skinny boat, they have no business in a kaysk?
It’s great that Wilderness Systems is restocking parts, especially the Tempest 170 rear hatch cover. I’ve also struggled to find it before. Thanks for the tip about using the search function on their site—much quicker than browsing through pages one by one!
I have a question about Tsunami’s. I have a 175, the bulkhead behind the seat was never very secure and would allow water into the day hatch. The store initially put some sealant around the bulkhead, but it never sealed and took several months to even start to cure.
So I guess my question is twofold, what sealant is best to use on the neoprene/styrofoam bulkheads, and do they sell them?
Lexel by Sashco. I know Ace Hardware carries it. I first bought it to seal bulkheads on poly kayaks, now I keep a tube for household sealing jobs. Much better than silicone for most jobs. It will dry to touch in 1/2 hour, but it does take about a week to fully cure.