PT-15 Rear Hatch Mount in Tank well

I sent an email to OK but haven't got a response yet on the question. We have very skill rigging craftsman on this board so I thought I'l float this out there.

It looks like the PT-15 has been designed with a hatch mount surface that would probably accommodate a 4" hatch. It is angled up at the back of the tank well and so should not get much water. I am thinking of it for one purpose right now--easy way to get a rear float bag up in there. So it would be opened only on shore. I figure a simple screw-in ASB plastic type. Haven't seen anyone do this--anyone tried or thought about it?

I've actually thought about doing that on mine as well. Here are some instructions I found.http://www.sit-on-topkayaking.com/Articles/Instruction/SixInchHatch.htm I'm not sure if this hatch will be too big or not but the installation should be the same.

I have a call in to KFS (as well as the email to OK--might try and call them today) to find out the true dimensions of the hatches. I'll share what I find out here.

UPDATE 31-JUL-09-1110: Talked to OK, they put that hatch there as a aid during the installation of a rudder. It was designed to fit a standard 6-inch screw-in hatch. KSF sells those, have a call into them to see if they know which ones fit. I am also looking at their rudder kit but upgraded with the Sea Dog/SmartTrack pedals.

Great thanks for the info.

Yep, We've cut them out for rudder install too.The float bag idea is also excellent.Good idea to add flotation to the stern too...it can balance out the bow flotation.

Also a great place for extra storage for divers. Easy to reach that hatch from the water.

Craig, at KFS in NJ, says the 6-inch hatch probably _won't_ fit because its bezel is nearly 8 inches. He thinks a 4-inch hatch with a 6-inch bezel will work but only people with small hands could get into it. But they haven't really tried a hatch--they just cut it open to get the rudder tubes through and then us a plate to seal it up again--not really a hatch because it is screwed in. So we have some conflict between OK and KSF.

Aaron, you can be the tie-breaker and you have the credentials to make it stick,what brand and size hatch do you folks put in there? Any cautions?

We had to use the OK 4" threaded hatch with 6" bezel.Generally not my fav because sand and salt can gum up the threads on the hatch, but it works for float and rudder install.

Aaron, thanks--I suspected it would have to be the 4-inch one. Maybe a 4-inch hatches of another style from other firms will have a 6-inch or smaller bezel--threaded hatches can be a real pain in salt and sand.