T13 Shortcomings

Yikes.

If you don't mind, I'm going to send that pic into the factory.

There's also got to be something going on with the hatch seal design.  I've had a few "leaks" now too (and heard of even more), and I don't think I'm doing anything wrong with tightening the hatches.  Gonna have to check that out more ...

-Allen

Feel free Allen.  Hopefully they'll find it usefull!

I plan on pulling the other flush mount and reinstalling both holders with oversized SS washers and a healthy gasket of goop.

As for the lids..... I'm still working on a solution for that.  INSAYN's idea to run a strap would work but there has to be a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing solution.

Marine Goop alone would probably hold that rod holder in place.  That stuff is mega tough! 


The center strap isn't in my way at all.  While sitting idle in the fishing zone, I just drop all the straps inside the hole, and just use the bungee to hold pod lid on in the event I tip over.  The bungee also works to secure things on deck while fishing.

I finally got the rod holder fixed.  I couldn't reach the bolts to put nuts on them so I settled for rivets backed with stainless washers.  It seems to hold pretty well.  I sure would prefer the security of a stainless bolt backed with washers and nuts though.

I just tightened the bolts on my rear holders on 2 yaks.  I can't believe how loose they were.

-Allen

insayn,
would you please post a pic of the long ways strap you installed, and the add in foam gasket you put under that hatch?? i think that falls into the "why didnt i think of that category".

i think i've mentioned before that i had a small issue in surf with the hatches on my T15, but i took that as being due to being inverted for a few minutes and not having atmospheric pressure along with the straps pushing down to make the seal. i have noticed that when i go bow on into a larger wave, such as a wake wave on lake washington, the foredeck tends to flex and the bow hatch will pop loose, allowing some water in, but it's never been so much that it caused me concern. bear in mind my boat is a now 2 yro demo model, so you'd think most of the post manufacturing kinks would be worked out. 

am wondering if all these leaks on the T13s are a generational design issue or just overworked fit and finish folks making mistakes?

[WR]

insayn,
would you please post a pic of the long ways strap you installed, and the add in foam gasket you put under that hatch?? i think that falls into the "why didnt i think of that category".

i think i've mentioned before that i had a small issue in surf with the hatches on my T15, but i took that as being due to being inverted for a few minutes and not having atmospheric pressure along with the straps pushing down to make the seal. i have noticed that when i go bow on into a larger wave, such as a wake wave on lake washington, the foredeck tends to flex and the bow hatch will pop loose, allowing some water in, but it's never been so much that it caused me concern. bear in mind my boat is a now 2 yro demo model, so you'd think most of the post manufacturing kinks would be worked out. 

am wondering if all these leaks on the T13s are a generational design issue or just overworked fit and finish folks making mistakes?

[WR]

Sure, I'll get the pics of it Monday or Tuesday.  I won't have time to do it Sunday.

kewl, no rush.

am wondering if all these leaks on the T13s are a generational design issue or just overworked fit and finish folks making mistakes?

They are design issues.  The Rod Pod cover was molded cleanly, the hatch seal is in good condition and in place, and the hold down straps are well secured.  I am thinking a smaller version of the forward hatch 4-point hold-down might have worked better on the Rod Pod.  Perhaps something like this:
        >--<

I think a more rigid material for the lid would in most cases solve the flex issue at the tips.  A tighter fitting seal, and use 3 straps, vs 2 may be what is needed.   At this point, I'm pretty confident my fix will hold for now until a new lid comes out on the market.  Anyone good with fiberglass/carbon fiber? 

I think a more rigid material for the lid would in most cases solve the flex issue at the tips.  A tighter fitting seal, and use 3 straps, vs 2 may be what is needed.   At this point, I'm pretty confident my fix will hold for now until a new lid comes out on the market.  Anyone good with fiberglass/carbon fiber? 

Where's the photo? 

I think a more rigid material for the lid would in most cases solve the flex issue at the tips.  A tighter fitting seal, and use 3 straps, vs 2 may be what is needed.   At this point, I'm pretty confident my fix will hold for now until a new lid comes out on the market.  Anyone good with fiberglass/carbon fiber? 

Where's the photo? 

Patience Grasshopper.  Tomorrow.   
I work 12 hour shifts at night, and I'm off tomorrow. 

I think a more rigid material for the lid would in most cases solve the flex issue at the tips.  A tighter fitting seal, and use 3 straps, vs 2 may be what is needed.   At this point, I'm pretty confident my fix will hold for now until a new lid comes out on the market.  Anyone good with fiberglass/carbon fiber? 

Where's the photo? 

Patience Grasshopper.  Tomorrow.   
I work 12 hour shifts at night, and I'm off tomorrow. 

Whoa, dude - I hope that's not 5 days a week!

I think a more rigid material for the lid would in most cases solve the flex issue at the tips.  A tighter fitting seal, and use 3 straps, vs 2 may be what is needed.   At this point, I'm pretty confident my fix will hold for now until a new lid comes out on the market.  Anyone good with fiberglass/carbon fiber? 

Where's the photo? 

Patience Grasshopper.  Tomorrow.   
I work 12 hour shifts at night, and I'm off tomorrow. 

Whoa, dude - I hope that's not 5 days a week!

Nope, just 3 on/4 off, then 4 on/3 off. 

...
~1 mile offshore, snagged in 90' of water in the lee of a seastack.  Pop the rod in the left flush mount and paddle up current to try a different angle.  Get a little bend on the rod and *Pop* The compression doughnuts used by the factory for installation pull thru the holes.   

Re-reading your post made me check my T13A.  Interestingly they used pop rivets on the flush mount rod holders.

I just tightened the bolts on my rear holders on 2 yaks.  I can't believe how loose they were.

-Allen

I did the same this weekend. I think I managed a good 3-4 turns on each screw before they got even moderately tight.