: I've seen mention of using 'Rare Earth' magnets for hatch holddowns. Are the
: magnets used in addition to some kind of strap or are they enough by
: themselves? Does it take a pair of magnets at each location or a magnet
: paired with a steel washer? Can anyone provide details of this method?

I've used them on my Return along with Vaclav's gasket method. As I recall, I used 9 pair on the two main hatches and 6 pair on the day hatch. The magnets are spaced between 4.5 and 5.4 inches apart. They hold tight enough that they don't come off at 80 mph AND tight enough I couldn't get them open with cold fingers - I added a piece of nylon ribbon that sticks out under the lid.

I installed my soft padeyes such that one pair lines up with the middle of each hatch. I haven't used straps or bungies yet, but do have bungies made up to use the first time I go to the ocean. I had NO leaks without the nylon ribbon - did get a couple drops in each hatch with the ribbon while rolling. I'll use them again on my next kayak.

jrs