New center hatches for Malibu

they went hinged!

I ordered my Extreme about a month ago. I was hoping it would have this hatch. Unfortunately when I got it it did not come with a hinged hatch. Maybe you have to specify and special order this type. I like the hatch that comes with the kayak, but I am worried about dropping it off the side.

Tether it to the boat from the inside. 

I like the hatch that comes with the kayak, but I am worried about dropping it off the side.

As you very well should be! From what I hear, those things sink pretty quick! I have been lucky so far and have not found out what an inconvenience that is, but I've worried about it.

INSAYN is right, tether it to the inside with a light line. The best way I can think of to do that is to drill out one of the rivets that hold the hatch in and do one of two things. If you have the same kind of rivets that they use(might have to get them from hook-one) then replace the rivet. As you are replacing it, when you give the rivet that first squeeze to get it going, stop and slip a zip tie into one of the three wings the pop rivet has when it's being squeezed. Then, finish the rivet and close the zip tie. Now, you have a little loop you can tie a securing line to.

The other way would just involve a stainless steel, pan head bolt. I'm thinking the size you'll need is a #8. Get a large washer and nylock nut to go with it. Take your lanyard and make a slip knot at one end. I like coating everything stainless with a good coat of marine engine grease before installing it to the kayak, you'll thank yourself a few years down the road. Slip the loop over the bolt after you stick the bolt in the hole of the hatch frame. Put the washer and nut on and start tightening it down. Just before making the nut tight, cinch down the slip knot. Now you've got a permanent lanyard. You can drill a small hole somewhere in the bottom of the hatch since there are plenty of places on the bottom of those hatches. Tie off your lanyard and problem solved!