Anybody Need Leaky Malibu Hatch Advice?

[Sam138]

After looking the problem, I came to the conclusion that the issue was being caused by the density of the OEM seal. It is a fairly hard rubber that sticks out at the same height all the way around the perimeter of the hatch. Where the lid to the hatch first hits the seal is higher than the hinge and causes the hatch to stay in an open position, as you can see in the first picture. When closed, the lid would bow out and create a gap between the hinge and latch. It would also bow between the two latches, as can be seen in the second picture.fficeffice" />>>
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To fix this, I removed the rubber seal. I then installed the softer rubber weatherseal that I picked up at home depot. It has built in adhesive and only cost a few bucks. You can see in the picture how well it compresses, but it is firm enough to create a good seal. I installed it on the lip of the hatch lid, rather than where the stock seal came out. It just seems to work better being stuck there. I then silicone the hatch assemblies back to the kayak. When I was done, I filled the top of the kayak with water and looked in through the gator hatch. Hardly any water was able to get through, even with STANDING WATER covering the hatches.>>
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I did something similar with the lid to the bait tank. Mine had nearly a 1" gap on either side when the lid was closed. It is now sealed well, preventing bait tank overflow from dumping on the side hatches. I need to take some pictures of what I did with this.>>

[Fish Taco]

Originally Posted by Sam138

After looking the problem, I came to the conclusion that the issue was being caused by the density of the OEM seal. It is a fairly hard rubber that sticks out at the same height all the way around the perimeter of the hatch. Where the lid to the hatch first hits the seal is higher than the hinge and causes the hatch to stay in an open position, as you can see in the first picture. When closed, the lid would bow out and create a gap between the hinge and latch. It would also bow between the two latches, as can be seen in the second picture.fficeffice" />>
>
To fix this, I removed the rubber seal. I then installed the softer rubber weatherseal that I picked up at home depot. It has built in adhesive and only cost a few bucks. You can see in the picture how well it compresses, but it is firm enough to create a good seal. I installed it on the lip of the hatch lid, rather than where the stock seal came out. It just seems to work better being stuck there. I then silicone the hatch assemblies back to the kayak. When I was done, I filled the top of the kayak with water and looked in through the gator hatch. Hardly any water was able to get through, even with STANDING WATER covering the hatches.>
>
I did something similar with the lid to the bait tank. Mine had nearly a 1" gap on either side when the lid was closed. It is now sealed well, preventing bait tank overflow from dumping on the side hatches. I need to take some pictures of what I did with this.>

Hi Sam,

Thanks for sharing this. Though I'm a little confused about a few things... When you installed the weatherseal on the lip of the hatch lid... I assume you ran it along the length of the one side where the hinges are, yes? (The photo might be misleading because it doesn't show the entire length)

Also, you mention "I then silicone the hatch assemblies back to the kayak." I'm not sure what you mean by "hatch assemblies" exactly... Do you mean that you took the original OEM rubber seal and siliconed it back in place in its original groove on the bottom of the hatch? Please explain... thanks.

I'd like to see photos if you have them of the repair on the lid to the bait tank too, or perhaps you could expand on what you did there? Did you use the same weatherseal product there too, or did you choose something a little bit wider? (looks like the product in the photo says it "Fills Medium Gaps 1/8" - 5/16") My bait tank lid leaks as well. If I choose to use it for dry storage and not use it for bait... forget it... everything ends up floating in water in there after a while anyway... frustrating.

Thanks in advance for all your help!

- Ken