found fix for Trident 15 front hatch leak

The leak on my T15 front hatch was frustrating (it was much worse than frustrating but there are children on this site). I was determined to make it work because I like the deck design so much. I am convinced that OK has a winner of a design but the front hatch cover is a serious flaw. It is so thin that it feels like plastic coated paper. The ends raise when the crosslock is tightened and the hatch cover is too big for the hole. This is the only trident that I have dealt with so maybe others have a better fit. I have read other threads though of them flooding. I know people say it's only when going through surf or rough water but that's when you need it to work the most. OK off my soapbox and onto the fix.

I added a rubber gasket around the outside of the existing gasket that is on the opening of the kayak. I added the same gasket material around the inside perimiter of the lid. There were still gaps and water would still get inside when I held the hose on it (not high pressure but tap pressure). I added 3mm neoprene around the inside rim of the hatch cover and tried it again and there was still an unacceptable amount of water entering. I was now very frustrated and not sure what to do. I began trying to twist my nonengineering mind around the issues involved. I tried a bunch of stuff without glueing or using the water test but nothing seemed to work.

I decided try to make a 3mm wetsuit hatch cover that would go under the hatch lid. I didn't think there would be enough clearance but I put it on there and the hatch cover slid on even though I had already lined the cover with 3mm neoprene (that shows how oversized the hatch cover was). I cut away the excess material, strapped the cover down and took it out to the pool deck for the water test. I gave it the business for a solid minute and then checked for water. There was probably less than a quater cup of water after a minute of the hose being aimed at the trough under the hatch lid lip. I don't like that I had to do this but I am now confident that this yak is ready to chase the white whale in the unpredictable NorCal waters. I can put up photos or video if anyone else is experiencing this problem.     

Yes please, can you post photos?
Sure would like to see how it looks like.

Video even better

Congrat on the fix!  You could save someone's day with your solution.

OK I'll try to put up a tutorial later today. I have a shop trying to get a better fitting lid for me but this fix is solid until then and could work permanently if needed.

Crazy that you had so many issues. I have the T13 and while the lid is a bit sloppy The only water I get inside is what I add to fill the transducer donut.

I believe the gasket you used around the hatch cover is sold as "trim lock".It is the same thing used on the inside of the hatch opening.I've been considering adding this to my hatch cover for extra waterproofing as well.

i hope they do a better job when moulding the hulls. nice job on solving the problem Merv.