Low Budget In Hatch Safety Gear Holder

I like low budget at home fishing kayak modifications that are practical. I'm sure in hatch holders have been done before, but this is how I addressed the need. I purchased pad eyes, 1/4 inch bungee and Marine Goop from Hook1. I cleaned the area for the padeyes with isopropyl alcohol and scuffed with light sandpaper. I glued 4 padeyes in my hatch in a diamond pattern and threaded the bungee through it. That's pretty much it. It keeps my safety gear up in the nose of my yak where I can get it when needed. It's stronger than it looks and is completely removeable if desired (my favorite type of mod). It also weighs nothing, a plus. I've had it installed for over a year including the desert to 116 in Vegas to minus 20 at home. Takes a beating and holds a lot of stuff. I put my rods under it for surf landings too.

Nice!  Much better than tying leashes on everything so they don't slide down the boat.  I have been just using carabiners and clipping my pump and bags to the battery pouch on my P13.  It works, but it would be easier and faster with the bungie system.

Love it!!!   

LOVE the bungee system!

However I don't know that you want to be storing your bilge pump in your bow.  If you need it, it's gonna be hard to access.  Just my $0.02.

Michael

Brilliant 

K.I.S.S.!!! Keep It Simple Stupid......I love it! Thanks

LOVE the bungee system!

However I don't know that you want to be storing your bilge pump in your bow.  If you need it, it's gonna be hard to access.  Just my $0.02.

Michael

I used to always carry my pump on deck, but I can't imagine not being able to get in the hatch even in the water. I have practiced on the water self rescue including accessing and using the pump. This works. Besides, if your sinking so fast you don't have time to get your pump, it's not going to help anyway. I am also a minimalist when it comes to deck rigging. Personal preference.

On my kayak (P13) the front hatch is the only place I could use my bilge pump.  So that is where I store it, just under the lid.  I figure I when I open the hatch the pump is right there for quick access and use.

I can't imagine not being able to get in the hatch even in the water. I have practiced on the water self rescue including accessing and using the pump. This works. Besides, if your sinking so fast you don't have time to get your pump, it's not going to help anyway.

True, you can always access it while in the water, I was just thinking that I'd want to stay dry, and on top of my yak, if at all possible, for as long as possible.  Especially if your boat is going down as it is just that much longer that one would not have to be exposed to the cold water.  Of course, I'm thinking worst case scenario in the ocean.

Michael

I can't imagine not being able to get in the hatch even in the water. I have practiced on the water self rescue including accessing and using the pump. This works. Besides, if your sinking so fast you don't have time to get your pump, it's not going to help anyway.

True, you can always access it while in the water, I was just thinking that I'd want to stay dry, and on top of my yak, if at all possible, for as long as possible.  Especially if your boat is going down as it is just that much longer that one would not have to be exposed to the cold water.  Of course, I'm thinking worst case scenario in the ocean.

Michael

I don't have any trouble accessing my hatch on my OK yaks at all while sitting on them. I can crawl all over my yaks, from sitting in the tankwell to sitting in front of the hatch on the bow facing backwards. Everyone should be able to do this on the open ocean.  On my Hobie I put my pump on deck because I have to pull my pedals to access the front hatch and it's a PITA. However, pump placement was not the point of my post. You can put your sandwich under the bungee if you prefer.  

I don't have any trouble accessing my hatch on my OK yaks at all while sitting on them. I can crawl all over my yaks, from sitting in the tankwell to sitting in front of the hatch on the bow facing backwards.

Man, it is impressive what can be done on an OK.  I, too, crawl all over my yak however I cannot sit between the bow and front hatch facing backwards.  It's nuts that it is so stable.

Everyone should be able to do this on the open ocean.

Agreed, 100%.

On my Hobie I put my pump on deck because I have to pull my pedals to access the front hatch and it's a PITA.

I'm thinking I'll use your system, only right inside the hatch at my lap.  Maybe I'll bungee it to either the port or starboard side.

However, pump placement was not the point of my post.

I realize that and apologize for the semi thread-jack.  I was thinking along the lines of helping a newb who might be still trying to figure out the placement of items in their boat.

You can put your sandwich under the bungee if you prefer. 

True, but then you're back at square one.

Michael

I don't have any trouble accessing my hatch on my OK yaks at all while sitting on them. I can crawl all over my yaks, from sitting in the tankwell to sitting in front of the hatch on the bow facing backwards.

Man, it is impressive what can be done on an OK.  I, too, crawl all over my yak however I cannot sit between the bow and front hatch facing backwards.  It's nuts that it is so stable.

Sitting on the bow is not pretty, but it can be done. The stern is elevated.
There is no center hatch on my P15 or P13, so pump placement is either on deck or in the front. So if I have to open the hatch to pump anyway.......
My sandwich stays on deck where I can get to it quickly, minimalist be damned.

rivets through the hull?   that takes a Real_set of balls!
very clean and very important! 
i gotta get a spare paddle in mine, AT LEAST! 
Thanks for the Heads-Up!!

 

  Adam, he glued the padeyes in.

  Adam, he glued the padeyes in.

maybe i should READ the whole thing b4 asking silly ?s
....thnx Troy!