In search of Hatch Cover or Hatch Insert for old double hatch 16' Tarpon

I know this is a super long shot but I figured I'd put it out there.  I have searched around Texas and beyond for a hatch cover or hatch insert for my old double hatch Tarpon.  I acquired the kayak missing the cover from a fishing buddy who was moving to Oregon and didn't want to take the 'yak.  I figure I would put it out there for anyone who may have one.  I typically paddle a Cuda 14 but like to paddle this Tarpon when I want to go far or fast or when the wind is really blowing.  I have borrowed a hatch cover from a fellow double hatch Tarpon owner but need to return it.  I love paddling this boat so I am searching anywhere possible for a hatch cover or hatch insert.  I have thought about trading my Cuda for a current T160 but like this old hull design a lot better.

Are any of these the hatch you are looking for?http://www.austinkayak.com/subcategory/217008/Hatches/filters/MTgzfDQ3fHxwcmljZXwwOzEyOS45OSwwOzEzMA==/lastFilter/183/order/priceDesc/v/12/page/1

Are any of these the hatch you are looking for?http://www.austinkayak.com/subcategory/217008/Hatches/filters/MTgzfDQ3fHxwcmljZXwwOzEyOS45OSwwOzEzMA==/lastFilter/183/order/priceDesc/v/12/page/1

Not even close.

I figure the odds of my finding a cover or insert are about .05%. Can't hurt to try.

Make one! all you need is a piece of plastic and a large roll of duct tape!

Sorry couldn't help myself!

Make one! all you need is a piece of plastic and a large roll of duct tape!

Sorry couldn't help myself!

Trust me, I am close to this solution.  The paddle club I am a member of does some camping trips where you paddle in with all your gear so I'd like to keep the hull access if I can.  The boat is a dream to paddle so I may give up on hull access in the back and just close it up.

I made a 6" dia. replacement cover for a hatch by cutting a circle of 3/8 plywood and the same size of an old wetsuit, then drilling a hole in the middle for a bolt and wingnut and washers and then a 2" wide piece of old hardwood flooring was added to the bolt to slip inside the hatch so when I tightened the wingnut, it squeezed the wood strip and ply/rubber circles and kept it perfectly watertight - until I got a replacement hatch and installed it.  I still have it, it's yours if you want to pay the shipping cost.

Is the hatch for a 6" hatch?  The hatch I am trying to cover is oblong.  Maybe about 10" x 24", roughly.

1) Have you tried contacting Wilderness Systems directly?

2) Make a mold using your other hatch, then make a new hatch out of fiberglass. Heck, be smart and make 3 so you can sell a couple. If one of my hatches failed or was lost, this is the route I'd take, assuming that WS didn't have any replacements or they couldn't point me to a retailer that did.

1) Have you tried contacting Wilderness Systems directly?

2) Make a mold using your other hatch, then make a new hatch out of fiberglass. Heck, be smart and make 3 so you can sell a couple. If one of my hatches failed or was lost, this is the route I'd take, assuming that WS didn't have any replacements or they couldn't point me to a retailer that did.

This is a great idea and easily do-able.

The fiberglass idea has been tossed around.  I may end up going this route but have no experience with working with fiberglass.  I am hoping to find someone with an insert and a hatch cover who doesn't use one or the other and it willing to part with it.  The hatch cover I had on loan was from a guy who uses the insert.  He only uses the hatch cover for multi-day camping trips.