How To: Leak on Oval Orbix Hatch WS Tarpon 140

Kayak: 2009 Tarpon 140
Problem: It leaks when wave wash over the front hatch. Got about 1/2-3/4 gallon of H20 every trip.

I thought the foam seal is too old and well compressed. Will order a new foam and problem will be gone. I was wrong. It turned out the hatch is warped( how? I don't know).
One thing I do know if the sun can change the shape of the hatch, I can bring it back by using heat too.
Use this as a guide if anyone has the same problem.


Before 1


Before 2


Before 3


Align and set it still.


Bring heat gun to 1000F









After 1


After 2


After 3

Hi Chet,

This is a common problem for this boat, I have been looking for a fix for some time. Not sure If my heat gun goes to 1000F but I am going to give this a try! Might try it on the mid hatch also.

Thanks for posting this,

-Tsuri

The mid hatch is a different type of seal. Rubber o-ring. put a little vaseline or something on that one just to lube it a bit. will seal better.

Great Idea on the front Orbix. Mine was warped and Wildy replaced it, Before I was pro staff.

Hi Chet,

This is a common problem for this boat, I have been looking for a fix for some time. Not sure If my heat gun goes to 1000F but I am going to give this a try! Might try it on the mid hatch also.

Thanks for posting this,

-Tsuri

I did not know its a common problem. IMO, Wildly should do something about it if it's a known issue.
Anyway, I tried my wife hairdryer, it failed to soften the plastic.
You get to use a real heat gun.
I have used the kayak about 4 times now after repair it only let water in about 3oz on one trip where wave keeps rolling over.
Good luck, let me know how it turns out for you.

I had the same problem on my 2009 T140. Good fix, thanks for the post!