: Thanks Sean. Do you feel the tab on the compression latch is strong
: enough to resist fatigue long-term? How about if it's really
: cold and you drop it? do you think the tab will break? Does the
: hinge tab slip under the edge of the mounting ring so that the
: mounting ring and the top of the deck plate are flush? Is the
: gasket on the mounting rim, then? Are you still happy and
: leak-free since you sealed the screw holes? Do you have a backup
: plan should the lip or latch break?

: I think I'm going to have to replace my Beckson. I think I know why
: it won't seal- but the bottom line is that it won't seal. My
: deck is awash a lot- I need it to seal.

: m

Mike: These deck plates are made of pretty durable material - certainly doesn't feel like the type that would fatigue or break in the cold, that's for sure. They are not brittle but seem to have a bit of give to them, if anything - almost like a hard rubber. The tab is pretty substantial and the locking mechanism is beefy with a stainless steel nut, bolt and washer.

The tab fits tightly under the mounting rim and the result is a plate flush to the top of the rim. The lock then pulls the other side down tight. The gasket is in the rim and looks to be easily replaced or modified with a larger rubber gasket, if need be. I have no back up because I foresee no issues with them - knock on wood.

As for water entry, I get about an once or so in each hatch after a few hours in the water. My Black Pearl's deck are continually awash as well. I can live with this because I get more water in my boats with rubber hatches. Plus, all I carry in the Pearl is a lunch in a small drybag, so I'm not trying to keep stuff like camping gear and clothing dry.

Overall, I'm satisfied with the Bomars.

Yes, Bill is right that you need to make sure the mounting rim is flat. I had to recess my rim in the front (See the image below). One thing I would change about this setup is that I would've angled the back of the recess. Right now it's straight up and the water hits the edge and splashes in my face. The Pearl slices through waves rather than riding over them so there are always waves running up the front deck and hitting the recess lip. I guess the splash of cold water is good for keeping me awake!!