Gator hatch Version 3 - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

SDROB · 01-21-2019, 04:50 PM

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.

BrianH · 01-22-2019, 05:00 AM

@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.

MrPukaShell · 01-24-2019, 11:02 AM

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

BrianH · 01-24-2019, 12:31 PM

@MrPukaShell
This is what I currently have, see attached photo.
F08D101B-99FB-438A-B9A6-ACA847768C12.jpg 4443A5DA-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

goldenglory18 · 01-24-2019, 12:59 PM

"however the kayak was pretty much a blank slate, meaning it had no center hatch, rod holders, or even a gator hatch cut out"

As a DIY guy myself, that's the absolute best possible scenario for a yak.

Enjoy!!!

BrianH · 01-24-2019, 01:32 PM

@goldenglory18
I agree with you 100%. It was a steal of a deal that I could not pass up. It’s a great kayak, and I’m really happy with it so far for the price I paid and the money I have put into it. If I do upgrade to the gator hatch it’s going to run me about $210 with all the required parts. Crack of Dawn paddle sports got back to me yesterday, and one of their associates Put together a list as well as “step by step” instructions to follow for the 2017 X-13 gator hatch version 3 install. I was very happy with their team of employees who helped me out.

01-21-2019, 04:50 PM	#1
SDROB Malibu Stealth 12 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Hollywood, San Diego, Gonzaga Bay Posts: 512	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)

01-22-2019, 05:00 AM	#2
BrianH Junior Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 14	@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.

01-24-2019, 11:02 AM	#3
MrPukaShell Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Ventura COunty Posts: 521	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

01-24-2019, 12:31 PM	#4
BrianH Junior Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 14	@MrPukaShell This is what I currently have, see attached photo. F08D101B-99FB-438A-B9A6-ACA847768C12.jpg 4443A5DA-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

01-24-2019, 12:59 PM	#5
goldenglory18 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Seattle Area Posts: 861	"however the kayak was pretty much a blank slate, meaning it had no center hatch, rod holders, or even a gator hatch cut out" As a DIY guy myself, that's the absolute best possible scenario for a yak. Enjoy!!!

01-24-2019, 01:32 PM	#6
BrianH Junior Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 14	@goldenglory18 I agree with you 100%. It was a steal of a deal that I could not pass up. It’s a great kayak, and I’m really happy with it so far for the price I paid and the money I have put into it. If I do upgrade to the gator hatch it’s going to run me about $210 with all the required parts. Crack of Dawn paddle sports got back to me yesterday, and one of their associates Put together a list as well as “step by step” instructions to follow for the 2017 X-13 gator hatch version 3 install. I was very happy with their team of employees who helped me out.