Hi Rob,

I know how these crazy things work. I have a whole stack of them, all sizes. Awesome things. One magnet can hold a whole issue of Sea Kayaking to the fridge. I use them to hold cabinet doors closed. Just didn't know how many folks thought would be adequate to hold a hatch down. Thanks for the info.

Grant

: I use rare earth magnets on the flush hatches of my Shooting Star kayak.

: You need a magnet to magnet contact for the strength needed to bridge the gap
: until your gasket compresses. I use gasket material available from
: Newfound Woodworks.

: I use the 1/2" diameter magnets available from Lee Valley Tool;
: http://www.LeeValley.com/

: The magnets are recessed into the hatch cover and hatch lip on the deck. I
: use eight on the hatch cover and eight on the hatch lip. A total of 16 per
: hatch. This may sound like a lot but I did extensive research and found
: the number and configuration I'm discribing works the best.

: The waterproofness was tested with rolls at last fall's Newfound Rendezvous.

: Aligning the mating pairs is important. MAKE SURE THE POLES ARE ALIGNED SO
: THE MAGNETS ATTRACT, NOT REPEL!

: You MUST BE WARE the magnets will effect any compass placed in proximity.

: I found the magnets effected my compass if it came within 18” of the hatch
: cover.

: If you would like more detailed information on making flush hatches closed
: with rare earth magnets contact me.

: All the best,
: Rob