T13 Shortcomings

Glad you were able to get out and have a some fun, and get back safely.  I hate it when gear fails and cuts into my enjoyment of the trip.  See what happens when you "cheat" on your Fish and Dive..

I still consider the T13 "The other kayak".  It's a tough trade off for the salt.  The T13 is so fast and responsive but the Cobra is an awesome workhorse.  Maybe I'll have to sell them both and get a Tarpon. 

My Rod Pod cover seems leaky as well, particularly at the ends.  

I've noticed that if you cinch the rodpod too tightly, the cover will bow, leaving the ends gapped.

The hatch design has lots of room for improvement!

Just let me know dude. I'll set you up with a Tarpon

Another thing I thought about doing for both hatches, it to make a neoprene cover that would stretch over the opening and be further held down by the lid.  Still not sure on about the lip of the rod pod and how it would stay stretched and in place as the lip is aimed inward, not outward.

This is one of the best ideas that we've thought of at the shop for a dry hatch. Honestly though, two float bags and you are good to go. Maybe I'm just lazy, but it's quick, easy, relatively cheap, and solves any issue of a leaky/sinky boat. This is what we do with whitewater canoes, and it doesn't get any more bathtub like than that.

Johnson should make a neoprene hatch cover under the hard cover like they do on the looksha, elaho, etc. I will say having owned a boat with that hatch set up, that they are a pain in the arse to put on. Always have to hold one end by kneeling on it while you stretch the other end over the rim.

I still consider the T13 "The other kayak".  It's a tough trade off for the salt.  The T13 is so fast and responsive but the Cobra is an awesome workhorse.  Maybe I'll have to sell them both and get a Tarpon. 

Just let me know dude. I'll set you up with a Tarpon

Wait a sec, I thought you were riding for OK?  Isn't that a conflict of interest?   

No, Not officially with OK.

One could use cheap beach balls as floatation bags.  They come in various sizes, can be only partially blown up and stuffed into the hull. 

Aight for those of you waiting patiently for pictures of my lid tweak. 

Thanks for the photos and ideas!  I'm going to copy you. 

The RP hatch it flimsy ... plain and simple.  I was power washing my yaks this weekend and fiddled around a bit with them.  It's easy to see how they would leak.  I'm gonna complain to the factory about this.

-Allen

Hey Allen, the leaky T-13 hatches are still a topic of concern. Any feedback from the factory on this?

Guys, just make sure if you are adding floatation, that it won't pop with a hook or knife etc. poking it. There is a reason you can get a beach ball for $1, but float bags cost $30.

The RP hatch it flimsy ... plain and simple.  I was power washing my yaks this weekend and fiddled around a bit with them.  It's easy to see how they would leak.  I'm gonna complain to the factory about this.

-Allen

Hey Allen, the leaky T-13 hatches are still a topic of concern. Any feedback from the factory on this?

Still in contact with them ... gave them the feedback on the GSIII incident.

-Allen