: Hello Folks,

: My son and I are currently working on a Cirrus SLT Hybrid. The
: build is going very well. I thought we might do the hidden hatch
: hold-down method (inside bungee with hooks on the hatches).

: ClC on their website suggests using one pair of hooks on the center
: of each hatch side. This seems fine for the smaller front hatch.
: But what about the larger rear hatch? I would appreciate
: comments from builders that have worked with internal bungees.

: Thanks

I agree with Kurt. The OOK lips are the way to go and it's better to use four hooks on each hatch cover. I use two points of attachment on the inside of the hull (one on each side) and four hooks on the hatch covers (two on each side). Actually, I use one pad-eye type of attachment in place of one of the hatch cover hooks. This serves as a bungee attachment and as a tether to prevent a lost hatch cover.

I like the side to side brace/hooks that Kurt uses. It's best to shape those before cutting out the hatches. You can still make them if you've already cut the hatches out, just make sure you don't modify the curvature of the hatch covers.

For my next kayak, I'm thinking of using magnets instead of bungees.

Pedro Almeida