About 3 or 4 years ago myself and several others were experience cracking and failure of VCP hatch covers that were in the 1.5-2 years old range. Many people with older covers, 5-8 years, seemed to be having no problems. I no longer have that kayak, but a friend was interested in how the hatch covers are holding up now. I would appreciate any feedback on how VCP hatch covers are holding up, especially from people with 2-3 yr old covers. Mark J. Arnold *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Hey Mark, Mine are 4 years old and are in great shape. I spray 303 on them and keep them indoors when not on a beach. There is a slight amount of cracking in the center area but it'll last a long time. What's with that Texas UV? Rob G *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
My 6yo VCPs are just fine despite savage Australian UV probably due to a regular coating of Armourall inside and out, washing with fresh water after use and keeping them out of the sun when storing the boat. Also not bending them too much when taking them on an off helps. Richard Sydney Australia *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
[Moderator's Note: Content unaltered. Excessive quoting (including headers/footers/sig lines/extraneous text from previous posts, etc.) have been removed. Please edit quoted material in addition to removing header/trailers when replying to posts.] Mine are more like 9 years old, and the front and rear hatches are going strong. The day hatch had to be replaced last year. We'll see how long it holds out. Joan Mark Arnold wrote: >About 3 or 4 years ago myself and several others were experience cracking and failure of VCP hatch covers that were in the 1.5-2 years old range. Many people with older covers, 5-8 years, seemed to be having no problems. I no longer have that kayak, but a friend was interested in how the hatch covers are holding up now. I would appreciate any feedback on how VCP hatch covers are holding up, especially from people with 2-3 yr old covers. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
The 7.5" VCP on my demo Mariner II lasted 13 years before needing replacement. I've sold a lot of replacement VCP lids and it is my experience that the damage begins on the inside rather than on the side exposed to the sun. My best guess is that styrene fumes built up from leaving them on a closed fiberglass compartment is the major source of decay. The Mariner II was always stored in the shade and had no front bulkhead to trap the degassing resin fumes. It was also a vacuum-bagged kayak so only the hand laid seams would be degassing styrene. If I'm correct then if your kayak has a bulkhead the hatch should last longer if you remove it during storage. Someone said not to bend the hatch too much. I think this is incorrect. An old 303 brochure I remember said rubber holds up better if it is regularly exercised. Something about keeping it from drying out. This is why the sidewalls on a spare tire on the back of a vehicle gets checked long before the tires meeting the road. Matt Broze www.marinerkayaks.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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