Malibu 2XL Hatch question.

[classtimesailer]

Is it possible to put a hatch in our family kayak so that my son and I can put our guns inside? We'd like to put our fins in there too so that beach launches are less risky to equipment. I know there is an oval for a hatch but I don't want to cut it if the guns still won't fit. Our guns are 110 euroes.

Thanks,
Jeff in Redondo Beach

[cubscoutdad]

Not worth the trouble. There are kits for small hatches, no problem. Some hatches are available for floor of a yak, but wouldn't want to be swamped with the hatch open. There is only one kayak that is cutom made for putting a gun(s) inside a hatch, and that is the Ocean Kayak Trident. It's available in a 13 foot model and a 15 foot model. Go for the 15 foot. It is one of the fastest Sit on Tops made, and it is a spearo's dream; tank well, smaller hatches, and a big long and skinny hatch right in front of you that will hold my 55-inch guns like a dream. Don't have to get out of my seat to access the guns. It will carry as much as 500 lbs, so if you are a bubble blower, you could easily take two complete rigs with you. I have one, and a 15' OK Prowler, and a 16' Tarpon 160. The Tarpon is the fastest, the Trident and Prowler are only slightly slower. For a diver, free or tanks, the Trident is a dream boat - fast, holds a lot, and is perfect for keeping those expensive custom guns from getting tossed into the surf. Sell you existing boat on Craig's list and try and find a used Trident 15'. I couldn't, so I bought a new one. My local dealer was very aggressvie on his price, so I bought for $839 new. My next purchase is a trailer for 3 boats. I have spent a year trying to find a small trailer that will hold at least 500 lbs. Finally found it and is being shipped today. Hope this helps. Will in Sarasota

[Hia-Leah]

Yeah that oval hatch for the XL is worth it. Because it's in the middle of the yak it isn't hard to get to... I know you would be able to fit your fins in there, but spears might be difficult, so no promise there. Sure, there is a chance that water could enter, but that chance exists with every yak.

I have a regular malibu 2, so I have no slot or cutout for the oval hatch, but if I were you, I would have already bought the hatch. I've actually considered trying to force a hatch on my kayak... maybe Ill make a post on it lol