: Mick,

: A challenge for you! Would it be possible to design some kind of system where
: the outrigger attaches to the yak in the hatch? That way, when not using
: the outrigger, the regular hatch is used, but when utilizing the
: outrigger, it fits into the hatch somehow with a modified hatch cover??
: Perhaps some type of beam that runs inside and sandwiches the deck. I have
: seen a portage yoke for kayaks advertised that uses a sandwich system to
: attach to the deck. I know it probably has no merit, but if there is a
: place to find out, this BBS is it.

: Kelly

Hey Kelly

It certainly would be a great way aeshetically. Functionally a prob if wanted to get easy access to the hatch. And since the hatch is a possible weak point, it might not be the best idea. But I quite like the idea, and so you are the innovator and this is only technical details. you know - engineering (yech)

But if you made the hatch structural, maybe that would work best. So you make a stronger than usual flange, from below inset say 8 stainless tnuts(in the middle of the gasket or at least to the outside) - more to the edges than to the centre, and thru bolt that rigid strong 'hatch' cover that has the beams embedded. For the regular hatch, if the nuts are blind and outside or thru the gasket region, just use any other usual method(the bolts are too slow for this) to attach the regular hatch.

Anyway, very cool idea.

-mick