Hobie outback rectangular hatch.
 

Decided to upgrade my round hatch. Very simple to do. Cost was around $100 for hatch, tackle management system, hardware and a couple boxes. This was a much needed upgrade for me because I hate the hobie buckets. The lids are always a PITA to snap back in the right spot. Also will help keep tackle organized.



Attachment 16736Attachment 16737Attachment 16738[IMG] http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08...103b3113f4.jpg

Looks good! I was thinking about making this upgrade too on my '15 outback but am concerned without the foam supports under the deck standing may not be a good idea. Have you tried standing on the deck since the upgrade? Can you feel any give? Thanks!

Viper, I just installed the hatch this morning so have not yet had a chance to test it on the water. The hatch seems plenty strong, and the material you have to cut out is negligible in my option. The backing plate that the hatch screws into makes this area strong. There are plenty of people who go this route and I have never heard of anyone having problems.

Looks good. Maybe they'll make that hatch standard in next year's model.

That's way better than the round hatch. Nice modification.

I do know that the new outback LE comes standard with the square hatch, but you definitely pay for it. I do think that hobie should get rid of the round hatch for the outbacks. But hobie is in it for the business and any aftermarket upgrade after the fact makes them money.

Hobie parts and upgrades are way way overpriced in my opinion. Every time I shop there it feels like in going to Costco 4 items 100$ minimum no matter how small the part is

I upgraded my hatch as soon as I bought my 15'. You'll be so happy you did it, trust me. By far the best upgrade I can probably make to my outback. Looks good!

I heard modding the center hatch to a rectangular one voids the warranty. Is that true? Pretty lame if it is.

Maybe someone from OEX can chime in on this one but I don't see that being fair at all. Reason being is the new outback limited editions come with the square hatch pre-installed. So in my opinion that eliminated any kind of question about the structural integrity of the upgrade. However, if it is true about the warranty, I wouldn't advertise that I had the mod if I have a problem with things such as my drive, rudder, etc. What does a square hatch have to do with those things?

OEX did my square hatch install, and i love it!

It comes stock on the new 2016 LE... along with turbo fins, big rudder, deck pad kit, special graphics, orange color, and upgraded price tag!
Attachment 16791

600 bucks more for a pre-installed square hatch and padding?!

And it's orange with fish graphics lol


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And they are only making 500 of these.

Very neat and clean, Brandon. Nice job!
I just might have to do mine! (Just have to buy a jigsaw)
I think Andy (Iceman) can address the warrantee issue as he's done a number of them.
FFY :sifone:

I bought a skil jigsaw at lowes for $30.

http://m.lowes.com/pd/Skil-4-5-Amp-K...gsaw/50125861=


This is not a one time tool for me. Ive needed one before for some carpentry and other projects and finally bought one to do my hatch. But i see myself using this saw again soon.

Me too. I like building shelves, bookcases and cabinets for storing all my Fly Tying books & materials. I've been getting by with a coping saw up til now.
FFY :sifone:

What are the dimensions on the new hatch?

I don't think it would work on my old Hank Parker edition. But I would love to add it if it did


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Hobie outback rectangular hatch.
 

Roughly 11.25"x8.5"


Have heard this will only work 2013 and up

Edit: just read with a little mod will fit on 2012 also