RE: [Paddlewise] VCP Hatch Deterioration

	 Frank wrote
>  I flexed my VCP hatch while looking at the back (inside) and discovered
> several deep cracks. I was surprised since I thought the deterioration
> wound
> show up first on the exposed outside.. The outside looked good. I now have
> a
> new hatch cover. My oval rear hatch is ok. The boat is eight years old,
> and
> I have been using 303 protectant on the outside of the hatches. Might be
> worth a look as a failure in rough conditions could be serious.
> 
	  
	I also have cracks on the inside of the VCP hatches on one of my
kayaks and nothing noticeable on the outside. The kayak is about 5 years old
it is stored under the verandah when not in use and I haven't been coating
the hatches with anything. I didn't put any cover over the kayak when on
trips and it would often spend hours sitting on a beach in the hot
Australian sun. One of my fellow paddlers has been using Armourall and
claims no deterioration at all over the same amout of time.

	I had one unfortunate incident with VCP hatches several years ago. I
spent all weekend cutting out the existing small screw in hatches and
replaced them with two VCP hatches. On my first trip with the new hatches I
got into a spot of bother and broke the kayak into 3 separate pieces in 2.5
metre seas. They sure didn't keep the water out then.

	David 
	Canberra, Australia
>  
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