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Peter Clinch

wrote:

My local kayak shop sells hatches that cost around £30. I understand
you need to cut a hole in the deck to which you presumably screw in
place the threaded 'female' part of the hatch.

Would depend on the specific hatch design, but most of those I'm
familiar with (usually Kajak Sport or VCP) don't screw into place but
are glued/glassed/binded/en-gooped.

Glassing is only really an option on a composite boat, but speaking to a
chandler/boatbuilder might reveal some interesting poisonous solvent
based stuff that will hold it fast if it's a plastic hull. Sikaflex is
generally pretty good (expensive but very good silicone sealant type
stuff), but speak with those in the trade before deciding is my advice.

If you do screw you'll probably want some sort of sealant for the holes.

Do I need to spend this much on a kayak specific hatch or could I use a
inspection hatch from a boat chandler?

Depends what you want to put in and out. 8" hatches are workable but a
PITA for general loading, I imagine 6" would be quite a bit worse, but
if it's just to drop in a flask and a piece box it would be quite adequate.

These are much cheaper, but would they be suitable? Are there any other
options?

Dry bags lashed to the deck is the easiest option. Main downsides are
more clutter and windage. Drybags are still suggested for in-hull
stowage, and again you'll find a 6" entrance would make matters fiddlier
there.

HTH, Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/