DIY Kayak Hatch

A watertight hatch on a kayak lets you safely carry the supplies you want with you for a day on the water. Most kayaks come from the manufacturer with at least one watertight hatch for storing items such as lunch, a first aid kit and sunscreen, but some do not. Others have them in the wrong place. Perhaps you want to add an additional hatch. Installing one is not too difficult.

  1. Where to Put the Hatch

    • The mounting place for a kayak hatch needs to meet certain requirements: a relatively flat surface where the hatch and deck rigging do not interfere with each other and room for the lip of the hatch ring.
      Place the hatch lid on the kayak in different places to see where it will work the best.

    Cut Out the Hole

    • Use the lid turned upside down or the hatch ring as a template for the hole. After cutting the hole, remove any burrs and rough-up the edge.

    Fit and Seal the Hatch

    • Drill holes around the lip of the hatch ring and the hole in the kayak in a pattern like the numerals on a clock face. Apply a bead of sealant around the center hole and each surrounding hole for the fasteners.

      For plastic kayaks, a silicone marine sealant works. Fiberglass kayaks can't use silicone sealants; they will leak. Use a product such as Sikaflex, made for fiberglass.

      Mount the hatch ring with screws and nuts, or use rivets.

    Add a Bulkhead

    • Install a bulkhead to prevent stored items from rolling throughout the kayak. Also, a bulkhead will compartmentalize the kayak, reducing the amount of water that can be taken in should the hatch lid fail.