Bruce wrote: "Anyone in favor of screw-on hatch covers? Why not?" Now that I have the fickle thing working, the screw down Henderson TCL/4 is fine. There is no risk of implosion by waves. As I undo it on a beach in the sun, the gentle hiss of escaping air indicates that the compartment is (now) air and watertight. I carry a small brush, and old toothbrush, in the compartment to get rid of any sand on the threads. You can see them, and the expensive spare parts exploded diagram, at http://www.whale.ltd.uk./marine/range.htm Boat builders do not seem to like them in Australia now, preferring Valley rubber hatch covers. I have wondered whether VCP rubber hatch covers could be improved, with some extra weight and convenience cost, by having a hard cover over the top. This would certainly add to a feeling of security when breaking out through surf and the like, and add a second back up against the risk of a split around the perimeter of the rubber cover, which has been reported in postings here. I notice many VCP and similar rubber hatch covers seem to be used without a stainless retaining band. I wonder if that means a greater risk of failure? Regards, PT *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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