OK Malibu 2XL Gaspachi Hatch Install X2

[Mods please move if this isn't the right section]

So, long story short, needed to consider WAF points in first kayak purchase, so a two person kayak for kayak camping at Lake Sonoma/Union Reservoir that can be converted into a stable one person fisher.  Should have lots of on top room for crab traps.  Unfortunately, it's a long hollow tube with only 1 central oval hatch and I wanted to be able to access more of the inside of the yak for fishing modification/pool noodle installation/camping gear storage purposes.  So I bought 2 OK 8' round gaspachi hatches, got a new jigsaw from my dad for Christmas, and was ready to put my first holes in my boat.

All of the necessary accessories are gathered together



Made the circle 3/8" from the edge of the hatch install area



Hole saw hole at least 1" from the edge, and the first hole is made



Next step is safety googles and the new jigsaw.  I used a plastic blade, but I'm sure more blades would work



Cutting the hole with the jigsaw was surprisingly easy and the only hint I'd offer to any prospective modders is to GO SLOW and don't depress the power button too much as there is a "hot knife through butter" effect that makes following the arc of the circle more difficult.  And soon enough there was a rough roundish hole exactly where I was hoping to place one.



Next time to get out the rasp and sand paper to smooth out the cut surface.  Careful not to rasp too enthusiastically and burr the inside lip of the hatch area.



The finished smooth hatch entry.



Now to place the strap eye to clip the hatch strap too.  I could have used a nearby strap eye that is also used as a strap point for a seat attachment, but the gaspachi strap clip is very wide and takes up most of the usable strap eye space.  The OK directions stated that there were two small ovals near the hatch area that correspond to where the strap eye should be place, I looked all over and could not find them, so I placed them in the least inconvenient place I though of at the time, just off center.



Two quick drill holes, and since I just recently made adequate access to the inside of the hull, I went with SS bolts, washers, and nuts instead of the supplied blind rivets.  And, of course, some Marine Goop.



The finished product with a victory beer



I placed the second hatch astern in an identical manner.

Yes, the hatches are somewhat a b&%$! to seal properly into place, but the major utility of these hatches is for access to interior of the kayak for camp packing and future rod holder/FF transducer/FF battery (bait tank?) installation.  So the majority of the time these hatches will be accessed on dry land and not out on the water.

I'm still contemplating where to place my fishfinder/forward rod holders.  I know that several people have gone with the milk crate or "ghetto bar" 2XL setup, but I'm thinking of two more scotty mounts, maybe with additional flush transducer/power attachments so I can store everything within the kayak to avoid "yard sales" in my future.

More pictures as I mod.

nice job.  way to treat yourself to a beer afterwards. 
Most of us wouldn't have the patience and would have had the beer first , although using the jigsaw with one hand wouldn't be  a good idea.

I have a malibu II for family use, and may consider doing the same.   thx for sharing.

Jonathan