Hobie outback rectangular hatch.

[Viper3173]

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!

[YakDout]

Originally Posted by Viper3173

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.

[alanw]

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

[mpc]

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

[YakDout]

Originally Posted by alanw

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

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.

[h2ofishfo]

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

[JeffB]

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!

[King Saba]

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