how to sew neoprene?

I've got some thin (1mm) neoprene and want to make an (internal) cover for the front hatch on my Hobie AI. The front hatch on the AI is notorious for leaking when sailing, so the idea is that the neoprene will act like a "shower cap" to prevent water that gets under the hatch cover from getting inside the kayak, similar to the way that this works:



I want to get a bungee cord sewed into it the neoprene, so that it'll fit snug over the opening. I'll probably get somebody to sew it, but was wondering if there is any specific type of thread or specific stitching that should be used.

I use Aqualon thread for marine applications.
If you don't want to go that route use a quality nylon thread and you'll be fine.

I would hit up Blown Out Wetsuit repair in Santa Cruz -- she's done great work on wetsuit repairs for me in the past. I'm sure she could take on this project.

Cheers,
Brad

I use Aqualon thread for marine applications.
If you don't want to go that route use a quality nylon thread and you'll be fine.

Thanks for the info.

I would hit up Blown Out Wetsuit repair in Santa Cruz -- she's done great work on wetsuit repairs for me in the past. I'm sure she could take on this project.

Cheers,
Brad

That's a great suggestions---I'll check with her tomorrow.

Prolly Wednesday instead... looks like they are closed on Monday. Anyways I’ll post something once I get it working and tested.

Ty for info

I would hit up Blown Out Wetsuit repair in Santa Cruz -- she's done great work on wetsuit repairs for me in the past. I'm sure she could take on this project.

Cheers,
Brad

That's a great suggestions---I'll check with her tomorrow.

Prolly Wednesday instead... looks like they are closed on Monday. Anyways I’ll post something once I get it working and tested.

If that doesn't pan out for you, try a call / email to topkayaker.com. They stock a lot of neoprene covers for different boats and might have something ready made that could work. Not cheap, but not stupidly expensive, either.  FWIW, my Necky Dolphin uses this type of cover, and it's "water tightish" Might get a cup of water in it after an afternoon of paddling.

If that doesn't pan out for you, try a call / email to topkayaker.com. They stock a lot of neoprene covers for different boats and might have something ready made that could work. Not cheap, but not stupidly expensive, either.  FWIW, my Necky Dolphin uses this type of cover, and it's "water tightish" Might get a cup of water in it after an afternoon of paddling.

Thanks for the suggestion---they do have a ton of hatch covers. I sent an email to see if they have anything that might fit on a Hobie.

When sailing the AI, the nose tends to dive under water a lot, and when the boat flexes, it sucks the in like a giant straw. I've used a plastic "shower cap" and various other tricks that help, but I think something offers a little more flex (like neoprene) is going to work a lot better. Anyways, I figure it's worth a try.

Plastic weld that hatch shut. Problem solved.

I doubt you can put a neoprene cover on the hobie hatch. The hatch opening in the video has a lip that will catch the edge of the neoprene cover. Hobie hatch has no lip.

Another option in SC is HeatWave custom wetsuits.

They have fixed holes and added knee and elbow patches to several wetsuits of mine over the years. Very reasonable prices IMO.

If there is swell he will most likely be surfing though. 

https://www.yelp.com/biz/heatwave-custom-wetsuits-santa-cruz

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Plastic weld that hatch shut. Problem solved.

Tempting... could then install a small hatch in the (sealed) hatch that would actually seal properly, and still provide access...

I doubt you can put a neoprene cover on the hobie hatch. The hatch opening in the video has a lip that will catch the edge of the neoprene cover. Hobie hatch has no lip.

Did a similar thing with a plastic tarp, so I'm pretty confident it'll work. I don't expect there is any way to make it 100% waterproof, but hoping to get close...

Another option in SC is HeatWave custom wetsuits.

They have fixed holes and added knee and elbow patches to several wetsuits of mine over the years. Very reasonable prices IMO.

If there is swell he will most likely be surfing though. 

https://www.yelp.com/biz/heatwave-custom-wetsuits-santa-cruz

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Thanks---I'll give them a try too.