: The strength/number of the magnets you use and the width and thickness
: of the gasket will determine the holding power on the hatch cover.

Right now the count is 10 per side on the front and 12 per side on the rear. The magnets are 3/8 in. I looked long and hard for some flexible gasket material since the stuff from Pygmy is reminicent of 7mm neoprene (takes 150 ft of water to compress it.). I ended up with some "Frost King" D shaped weatherstripping. Compresses easily, we'll see if it is watertight against the lid soon.

: I use a magnet/gasket arrangement that results in my JUST being able to
: pry off ONE SIDE of the hatch with three fingers. I've had more than a few
: people who couldn't remove my hatch covers. I guess I have strong hands.

You use 1/2 in magnets and plenty of them? I may use 1/2 in in the hatch lip to get some more pulling power on the rear hatch. The front "snaps" into place and I think it may work. I don't really see this kayak doing more than day trips in local fresh water with some short calm ocean trips. If I wanted to do more, I'd probably build another and make it more burly all around. i just don't see the need for straps when I'm poking along a calm river or lake.

: I think the idea of gear popping this hatch arrangement is less likely than
: the
: same boat, with straps, sinking because of a leaking hatch gasket.

: Straps are useless to seal a gasket on any deck that has a1" or less,
: rise at the deck centerline.
: There is just no downward pressure. Sure, the cover won't come off but you
: could take on a lot
: of water.

: I've seen many hatches with straps, full of water after just a few waves.

: As I've said, I'm able to pry open one side. Just. Any object inside the boat
: hitting the cover will
: distribute the force much more. It can only hit 1" closer to the hatch
: center because of the internal
: lip. Plus, there is just no distance for an object to build enough velocity
: to begin to achieve the force
: needed to dislodge the cover.

That is my feeling as well. I do plan on adding some tie downs inside to secure what is inside the hatch to the hull.

I wouldn't be surprised to find you could lift
: the boat with a line secured
: to the center of the hatch cover. You might even be able to lift the kayak
: with the paddler in it.

: I've gone to using a small wooden pry bar to open my hatches. If the seal on
: the gasket is good, which
: it is with the magnets, then you'll have an even tighter seal when your boat
: hits cold water.

: If you're upside down, water pressure will apply even more force, holding the
: hatch cover in place.

: As Nick has said, the effect on a compass is nil over short distance.

That is the least of my worries. If I can get lost on a lake or river, well then I'm lost. Just don't ask me to find my car after a long paddle.

Larry

: All the best,
: Rob