Hatch rim broken several times

[watt]

Hello,

I have a P&H composite kayak from the early 2000's with Kajaksport hatch covers. Last year I noticed water in the rear hatch after intense rolling, so I inspected the hatch rim and found a small crack. Repaired it with acryl and some glass (it's made of ABS), colored it black. A while later I found another crack, repaired it again. I took care not putting any stress to that region except some scramble rescue. Yesterday after rolling I found another 5 (!) cracks. Has anyone the same experience? It's only the oval hatch rim on the back deck, the other two are just fine...

It's mounted with bolts and glass, so a change is some work. And if I get the same problem again after some years, it would be nice to have a better alternative (glassing the whole rim?).

[Jim Tait]

Are you sure it's glassed in and not with a sealing compound? My partners boat had the same problem- countersunk heads on the bolts!!! IWe ordered a new rim for her (measure very carefully, there's not much difference) and then fitted it on with some sikaflex and flat headed bolts.

Jim

[p.r.unicycles]

Give P&H a ring,they'll be able to sort you out.

[watt]

The first racks were on the bolts, but meanwhile it's cracking all over the rim. And yes, it looks glassed in from the underside. But maybe it's a kind of uptake/form where it's glued on. I'll try to post a photo. If it's just with bolts and sealant, I'll change it.

[watt]

View from inside (you can spot the repair):

[p.r.unicycles]

P&H fitted hatch rims like this back in 2000, bolting them in, then glueing and fibre glassing. They stopped doing it because the bolts didn't let the rim flex under pressure, hence the cracking. Nowadays we use bitchmastik, I would recommend getting a new rim, possibly from P&H and bitching it in.

[watt]

Thanks - is it possible to remove the bolts and get the old rim out without the need to remove the glassing?

[Scots_Charles_River]

Looks like you may be able to carefully use a holesaw with a dia. slightly larger than the bolt heads.

[watt]

I've got an answer from P&H - in my Vela model the rim is not glassed, so it is possible to replace it by removing the sealant (using hot air) and the nuts. I've just ordered a new rim and will report the result...

[Robert Craig]

Same problem on my Vela, though only one crack. Repaired with a bit of ABS and some solvent weld glue, ok for a year so far.

I'm keen to hear how you got on with a full replacement,

[watt]

Mine also started with a small crack...
The rim just arrived, but it's already 4 years old. I hope it lasts a bit longer with other bolts. Maybe this weekend I can start replacing.

[Ceegee]

I agree, it is the bolting that causes the problem. I discussed the same with Mike Webb @ Rockpool. They glue in their (Kajaksport) rims with cyanoacrylate 2-component adhesive - stronger than the ABS rim or the laminate.

Gaardermann cary the whole KS range, you can buy just the rims, and are as cheap as anywhere and very quick to supply (in Germany at any rate) * http://www.gadermann.de/ see: <online Katalog> <Paddelzubehör> <Diverses>

and per MW, Rockpool use(d) ITW's MA320 marine adhesive (if you can source it)

http://www.itwplexus.co.uk/plexus/products

Basically - replace the rims!

Cheers

* if you live nearby and hurry they are giving away free Bratwurst this Saturday @ Gaardermann's

[watt]

I ordered mine from Gadermann :)
Although the first cracks started at the bolts, several others are spread all over the rim. ABS is quite UV-sensitive, so hopefully my new rim has spend his 4 years in the dark...

[watt]

Finally - replaced the old one. It's possible but not easy. See photos and short instruction at the end of:
http://ostfriesland-entdecken.de/allgemeines/bastel.php
Maybe the bolts are not necessary, but I used bolts with a flat head and a rubber gasket to ensure flexibility.
(Photos and instruction can be used in the almanac section if wanted.)

[MikeB]

The rear hatch on my Quest started leaking at the hatch rim a year or so into its life - it was returned to P&H for repair and came back with the rim fitted without bolts, they just used some sealant although I never found out what type. It'll be interesting the hear how your replacement stands up.

[watt]

Sikaflex was recommended by Pat from P&H, so I used it.