Hobie AI front hatch seal replacement?

I installed the tubing as shown and I'm wondering if 3/4" is too thick...  In principle, I can see how this would be an improvement, however, where the front hatch lid is bent in the middle, I'm not sure the lid is sealing at all with the tubing or with the original seal.  With enough downward pressure, maybe, but I'm not sure I trust it.  I may try 5/8" OD.

Using 5/8 will probably work but I think thicker might be better as it’ll allow for mor flex. Anyways, I’d like to hear how it works out for you.

Took a stab at using pipe insulation for the front hatch seal.  I think it worked, but tl;dr I'll have to do the install over again cause that stuff is fragile.

Both of my upper and lower hatch seals came off after I used a hose to clean out the my kayak to pass the inspection at LDV I decided try something posted on a Hobie forum that looked easy using pipe insulation with adhesive. I got 1 1/2" insulation from Homechepo for 3$ and cut it to approximate size of the hatch an then spilt the insulation and pressed it in place.  Then pulling the lower tape over the and adhesive went around the bottom and got about 3/4 way then went back and pulled the upper tape and peel and stick it in place.  Then gauged the rest of the insulation needed and cut it, and finished taping it in place. 

I thought I would need to use some clamps to make sure it stayed put, but the insulation is too fragile and I ripped in some places just from the clamps.  I then made the mistake of putting the front hatch on to test it's seal and the glue from the insulation got stuck to the lid and ripped more off when I pulled it up.  Only having a small section of it left to work with I hacked and replaced parts of it and considered it good enough for a trial. 

I tried to put in also some tubing for a lower seal, but couldn't get the hatch to close, so probably need something thinner and squishier.

After doing my shake down cruise it seemed amazingly dry in my front hatch compared to recent outings.  But I didn't submarine the nose or anything crazy this time out, but it seems like it worked.  Going to pull it off and re-do it in a single loop and try to not stretch, stress, or tear the material this time.

Took a stab at using pipe insulation for the front hatch seal....

Belt and suspenders approach! That certainly should keep the water out.

Al, I would think you could try automotive door/window trim. I'm sure AutoZone, Pep Boys, Napa or someplace like that would have something similar to what was OEM. You could also try surgical tubing. It comes in different diameters and definitely be squishee enough.
Kevin

First test of the front hatch seal was promising.  Cant say my testing replicates the submerging bow punching through waves, but I think it's working pretty well to keep water out.  This weekend was so hot that we spent hours in the water just trying to beat the heat.  I turned my AI into a floating raft for kids, dogs, A-Hulls to climb up on, jump off, or chill on    With three adults two large dogs and Bacon submerging 1/3 of the yak with with the ama underwater, it barely took on any water.  Going to re-do it once more time and see how it lasts.