Hobie taking on water during self-rescue

Last weekend, I practiced self-rescue in my Hobie Adventure (2013 model), on a calm lake. I flipped it over 10 times, and I'm sure the kayak was upside down less than 10 minute total. Usually, I never get much water inside it---like just barely damp, even when out in fairly choppy conditions. But this time, when I got back to the dock, there was at least 2 gallons inside.

I'm guessing most of that water came in thru the front hatch. If anybody has suggestions on how to seal that better, let me know (yoga mat seems to be the consensus online). Also, if you have any other thoughts about where it might be leaking, let me know.

Thanks.

Obvious one.... but did ya check the drainplugs? Second guess is tired bungies for the front hatch

Obvious one.... but did ya check the drainplugs? Second guess is tired bungies for the front hatch

No, not a drain plug issue, but that's the first thing I thought of when I saw that much water!

There's lots of discussion on the Hobie website about leaks around the front hatch, so that's most likely it. But still, that seems like a lot of water for such a short amount of time...

Mine does that also.  I know the 2016 kayaks have a thicker front seal.  I put in a request to get one but haven't heard anything yet. 

That's why I always carry a manual pump. 

I recently inspected my hatches for water tightness . Found my front hatch missing o ring seal. I found a weather striping at home depot that is for windows. it is a perfect fit. For added strength I applied liquid tape over that. I even added the weather stripping to top of lid. Definitely wont be leaking now . Post pics later. At work now. 

My hobie is older so hatch is older with t style locking mechanism. Maybe not the same.

Alex

I recently inspected my hatches for water tightness . Found my front hatch missing o ring seal. I found a weather striping at home depot that is for windows. it is a perfect fit. For added strength I applied liquid tape over that. I even added the weather stripping to top of lid. Definitely wont be leaking now

I'd like to see pictures of that.

I was planning to do something with closed cell foam, similar to Yakass' video (hatch mod starts at about 1:10):



Looks like it shouldn't leak.

I have pad eyes on each side of the hatch and between them a poly pro cinch strap with a buckle clip in the middle.
I can cinch it down real tight so no water's getting in.
Pinch the clip in the middle and it's undone.

look at this thread, part number and video

fixed

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=66673.0

look at this thread, part number and video

No thread or video attached.

I get a lot of water through the round hatch in front of seat (2011 Revo 13). Even though I've modified the rubber o-ring etc. It usually becomes apparent if I have standing water in the seat/hatch/deck area...either from overloading too much gear in tankwell & hull OR when I have to punch through surf. Maybe check those round hatches too.

 
  I took particular note of the seat he used on his hull.  A bass boat seat!  I put two of them on my 12' aluminum boat back when I got it!  Damn now I have to see if, if/how one might fit in my OB!  I simply hate the stock seat, and the STS seat I have for a replacement allows only a few more hours of discomfort before I have to get up!

That's why I always carry a manual pump.

Rule #1:  We're in a self-rescue situation, so a bilge pump should be mandatory gear.  Take a clue from trad sea-kayakers:  They use inflatable bladders or cellular foam to fill unused below-decks space.

Yes, tubular neoprene gaskets (get from auto suppliers), like one finds on car doors, are the ticket along with some robust strapping, i.e., FRESH bungies or cinchable straps w/ Fastex buckles to compress that hollow gasket.