So I decided to cut some holes in my new 1500 dollar kayak!

Man, I almost convinced myself to do this upgrade then I read this post...  NOPE!

Don't let this scare you off from doing the rectangular hatch.  That was the best upgrade I have done on my outback.

How about a heat gun. And try forming it to fit.

Good idea. I'm going to try that on Friday. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks.

While you have the heat gun out, you may want to re-form both sides of the bucket so you don't have to worry about which side goes where.

How about a heat gun. And try forming it to fit.

Good idea. I'm going to try that on Friday. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks.

While you have the heat gun out, you may want to re-form both sides of the bucket so you don't have to worry about which side goes where.

Good point. I was going the easy way but didn't think of that. Thanks.

Ok, so I just installed the square hatch on my Outback.
So far I think its a great mod. It gives so much more access and beefs up the deck due to the sturdy hatch surround. I mounted it port to starboard so the hatch opens forward. Despite researching whether the rectangular bucket will fit a 2016 Outback, (consensus is it will). Well, it wont. The edges on the bucket hit on the bottom where the tri hull valleys rise up inside the hull. It holds the bucket up about 1/2" too high for the lid to close.
Question: Has anyone successfully modified the edges of the bucket to make it fit better?

Ok so I got it installed with a minor mod to the bucket with a heat gun and drill. The tub was contacting the hull on one side because my cutout was 1/8 off center to the right. It works just great and is way more useful than the round hatch. The Plano 3500s fit right in. Thanks for all the recommendations NWKAs

Glad it worked out!