Magnetic hatches

Submitted byTim Eng onTue, 09/10/2019 - 19:20
Forums
Kayak Building

Is there a rule of thumb for spacing of the magnets in magnetic hatches?  I have 3/4” x 1/8” magnets, the hatch is trapezoid shaped and pretty much flat.   Thanks!

Tim

Tim, this will depend a little on how strong the magnets are and how much pull they have when installed which will be effected by the layers of glass on top of them and a few other tings.  I generally go about 3 inches on center.

 

I generally space mine on about 3 inch centers but it all depends on the strength of the magnet.

 

Thanks.   The magnets will be covered with  4oz glass.   3” ish divides up the length well for spacing, I will run with that and hope for the best!  :-)

Tim

I found 1/8 x 1/2 to be weaker than 3/16 x 1/2 so I spaced them about 3.5" apart. If you install the magnets, try to pry the hatches up with your fingers, if you can't, you're good, if you can pull them up, add more magnets. 

Well, I ripped off 4 fingernails  trying to pry up the hatch so I guess I am good ... :-).   Thanks for the help guys!

Hatch

...you spaced them about the same as I did. They look awesome. I'll post pics of mine during the springtime, I ain't going in my garage to build until it gets warm again.

Robert (of the great white) N (orth) Pruden

Apologies for the late thank-you-for-the-advice and update.   With gasket installed, I can still pick up the kayak by the hatch pull tab and swing it around ...  I got in a couple of test paddles before the cold and snow shut down the season, so far the hatch seems watertight!  ?.   Again, thank you for the input and advice and wealth of knowledge.  I have been reading here for many years, and the forum has been a huge help and inspiration!

Tim

SOT kayak