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01-21-2019, 03:07 PM
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#1 |
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Junior
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 14
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Gator hatch Version 3
Good afternoon, I had a question about installing a gator hatch on my Malibu kayak X-13. I happen to purchase a 2017 a while back from a guy in redondo beach, however the kayak was pretty much a blank slate, meaning it had no center hatch, rod holders, or even a gator hatch cut out. ( see attached pictures, if I can figure out how to upload them) 29AF8BD9-9F71-4A05-80FF-860CAB41CBBD.jpg0939A9C5-874F-4625-AEFB-21D7C8757AA4.jpg720E318E-C76A-4BC1-AB2F-B0ECDD39A403.jpg8D322DD8-10CF-4C6E-8AA2-89FBA573ECD8.jpg
I have installed rod holders, the center hatch, and wired a Lowrance elite 5 TI with a custom transducer mount all prett easily by myself. Now the next step is to install the front gator hatch. Malibu kayaks has confirmed that the V.3 gator hatch will fix the 2017 X-13. But I’m not exactly sure where to cutout the front hatch? I have not been able to find any videos on the front hatch install. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks -Brian |
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01-21-2019, 05:39 PM
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#2 | |
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Junior
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Garden Grove
Posts: 28
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Quote:
Looks like 1.5” from the edge all the way around the hatch area. The hatch on my x-factor is 1.5” from the edge; however, my stealth 14’s hatch is cut right at the edge. I guess it depends on the gasket you have for it. Last edited by soyaky; 01-21-2019 at 05:57 PM. Reason: Additional info added |
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01-21-2019, 05:50 PM
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#3 |
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Malibu Stealth 12
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Hollywood, San Diego, Gonzaga Bay
Posts: 512
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Hi Brian,
You might be a Diy guy like a lot of us are but I would say with the hatch I would suggest taking it to OEX and have them install it, that way they can guarantee you getting the best water seal you can possibly get. I noticed on my stealth 12, that seems to be where most of the water intrusion comes in when I'm taking waves over the bow. Just my 2 cents.
__________________
She will keep you warm in the winter and give you shade in the summer (Rossman) I'm telling ya, you have to keep these suckers on a game clip until just before you drop them in the frying pan.(Rossman) |
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01-22-2019, 06:00 AM
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#4 |
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Junior
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 14
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@soyaky
Thanks for the info, I’m still waiting on the V.3 gator hatch to arrive so I can make my measurements based off the size/dimensions. I wonder if your stealth and x-factor are different year models, and maybe that’s why the hatch is 1.5” on one and right at the edge on another? @SDROB I appreciate your 2 cents. I might end up taking it to OEX. Or even give them a call regarding the install. |
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01-24-2019, 12:02 PM
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#5 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Ventura COunty
Posts: 521
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What do you plan on putting up there under the hatch? I would leave it the way it is and have less of a chance of watering the kayak
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01-24-2019, 01:31 PM
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#6 |
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Junior
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 14
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@MrPukaShell
This is what I currently have, see attached photo. F08D101B-99FB-438A-B9A6-ACA847768C12.jpg4443A5DA-FB99-448E-BE98-380D563A454B.jpg It’s just some bungee cord stretched across to hold my vest and other quick to grab items when not needed in the harbor. To be honest, I don’t do many surf launches And the main reason for upgrading to the gator hatch would be so I can store more gear for camping, as well as have a spot for my nephew or even my kid when he gets bigger. I’ve been throwing the idea around for a few months now about the upgrade  On another note, it’s kinda unique because I have yet to see another Malibu kayak without a front hatch like this one! I do appreciate your questions and input. Thanks -Brian |
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