2014 Cuda Center Hatch MOD

Let me start out by saying I love my 2014 Jackson Cuda 14.  I went for the 2014 model instead of the discounted 2013 because I felt Jackson made some upgrades that warranted paying more.  I like the fact that they got rid of the RAM ball mounted rocket launchers and went with a new interlocking style rod holder.  I like that they added the YakAttack tracs on the center hatch.  I love the added lumbar support to the already comfy chair.  And I loved the fact that they added and easy access hatch to the center hatch lid.
 
When I got my 2014 Cuda, I noticed the poor quality of the easy access hatch.  It was only secure by 3 locking points.   I had my doubts about it surviving a day in our ocean.  My first trip out in the new yak confirmed those fears.  While the hatch did not break, it did let a small amount of water pass into the center hatch.  I didn’t expect the hatch to be completely dry after a rough day at sea, but there was definitely more than I would have liked.  So I started thinking how to remedy this problem and decided I wanted to change out the easy access hatch.
 
Finding a new hatch that would be robust, watertight, and fit in the existing hole would be a challenge.  I wanted to replace it with a Hobie cam lock hatch, but I couldn’t find one that would fit and they are expensive.  I looked at Ocean Kayaks hatched but couldn’t find one that fit either.  I was just going to have to bite the bullet and go to West Marine.  However, lucky for me, my first stop was The Headwaters Swap Meet.  While there, I chatted with Dan and Bam about what I was trying to do and Bam quickly came up this cool screw in hatch made by Sea Dog Line.  We sized it up with one of the Cuda 14’s they had in stock, and it was a perfect match.  It was also clear which gave the added bonus of being able to see whats inside the hatch. 
 
Below is a link and description of the exact hatch I used.
http://www.sea-dog.com/groups/1780-screw-out-deck-plate-with-clear-cover

This is the part that can break easily making it so your lid won’t seal.

I had to drill out the existing pop rivets to remove the original hatch.

After cleaning removing the old silicon with alcohol, I applied a good bead of new silicon to the new hatch, and bolted it to the center hatch lid.  Then let dry for 24 hours.  And there you have it, a good watertight and sturdy easy access hatch.

See you on the water!
Bret

Looks nice and clean. The one thing to be careful with those hatches is sand. It can sometimes cause it to be difficult to open. I had one on my Necky Vector. When it was stuck I would use the handles of my pliers to help open it.

Good to know Victor.  I didn't think about sand getting in the threads.  I imagine a little lubricant on the threads couldn't hurt either.

Nice. I would stay away from any sort of grease as it can attract sand. I've found over they years with screw in hatches to just use them. The longer one goes with out being opened the harder it is. If you rinse the threads with the rest of your gear after a trip to the salt they are usually fine. If there's an O ring use some 303 on it every once in a while. That's a great idea you have here.

NICE!!

I agree 100% Bret…I am not a fan of that small circular hatch….I think for freshwater guys it is nice and convenient but when you wipe out in the salt it can be a weak point…

I have shared my concerns with the JK folks so hope that in future models there will be a different design there….

I will be doing this for sure!

Thanks for sharing dude!!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Hell Jim, I didn't think you even had time to close your hatch with all the slaying you do.  😆

Hell Jim, I didn't think you even had time to close your hatch with all the slaying you do. 

LOL!!

I hardly use it to be honest...just open the "whole" center hatch to get out fins and gun at first dive site...then open it one more time to stow them before heading back to beach.

Talked to Dave Grigsby from Kayak Connection here in SC/Moss and he is gonna help me with the mod because I am not handy when it comes to stuff like this. 

Thanks again for the great idea Bret!

 

Sincerely,

Jim