Re: [Paddlewise] VCP Hatch Deterioration

From: Mark J. Arnold

> My round hatch cover was cracked all the way through on about 75% of the
> circumference.  A little pressure on the center of the cover and the
cracks
> opened up.  I do not go out in surf very often, but I think a couple of
waves
> over the front would have split the thing wide open.
>
> On my oval hatch some of the cracks were all the way through the cover and
> spreading. The others were not just surface crazing.  They looked to be
80%
> of the way through the rubber.  Since some had gone all the way through I
> beleive it was just a matter of time until all the cracks were all the way
> through the hatch.
=================

I would like to say 'likewise'.

i have heard folks describe VCP as the *best* available, yet mine are like
time bombs ready to fail. They are probably the most likely source of
failure that could seriously injure *me* while paddling.

to a casual observer, the lids look great. yet i could easily poke my small
finger though the front round lid. the rear oval is almost as bad.

History: hatch lids on and off boat less than 10 times/season for 3 years.
Stored out of sunlight.
Easy field use...

if i had not looked at these things closely, i would be unaware of their
*extreme* weakness.

I looked, but couldn't find a web site for VCP. if someone knows it,  please
post it to that i can communicate directly with VCP.

someone was checking with VCP, if they have responded, please let me know.

if you own VCP hatches that are about 3 yrs old, i suggest that you check
them out closely .

it's hard to believe that i'm probably going to spend more money to replace
a product often described as *the best*, when these are such miserable
pieces of garbage.

bye bye bliven





***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************