If you own a kayak with hatch covers hopefully you’ve never made the mistake of not securing a hatch cover all the way before transporting your kayak. I recently did this and was fortunate not to need to replace my old one with another.
I did lose some pretty nice locking kayak straps, but I learned my lesson and have double-checked the security of my hatch covers ever since.
Stuff happens, though, and whether it’s on a road trip or your old covers are just worn out, it helps to know where you can find a replacement.
Hatch covers are more common on sit-in kayaks, but some nicer fishing kayaks have them as well. They are critical in ensuring the watertight nature of the compartment you install them on top of, so they are kind of a big deal.
If your hatch cover gets broken or lost, please don’t hesitate to replace it. Without one installed, not only is the compartment it was supposed to go on no longer waterproof, but it will also be able to fill up with water if you capsize.
So replacing your kayak hatch covers is not only practical, but it is also a matter of personal safety. Fortunately for you, we have compiled some solid options for you to find the right match for your old kayak hatch covers.
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Best Kayak Hatch Covers
- Alomejor Access Hatch Cover
- HuthBrother Round Hatch Cover
- VGEBY Kayak Deck Hatch Cover
- Ocean Kayak Round Gaspachi Kayak Hatch Kit
- Teror Deck Hatch Cover
- Ocean Kayak Oval Gaspachi Kayak Hatch Kit
- SH-RuiDu Waterproof Oval Hatch Cover
- SEAFLO Marine Deck Access Hatch & Lid
- SEAFLO Black Circular Hatch with Detachable Cover
- Anndason 8” Black Deck Hatch with Storage Bag
- Pactrade Marine 20” Hatch Kit with Storage Bag
- FORSUN 6” Deck Hatch with Cat Bag
Buying Guide
Photo by Xiaoyang Ou on Unsplash
As much as you might find some hatch covers advertised as universal, you will have to do a little searching to make sure you find the right model for your kayak. So here are a few important factors to help you match your kayak to a compatible hatch cover.
Sizing
Kayak hatches are measured by their diameter, but there are round hatches and oval hatches. For round hatches, it doesn’t really matter the direction in which you measure the diameter because you are going to get the same measurement all the way around.
For oval hatches, however, most companies advertise hatch covers based on the length of the hatch. That said, you should take the time to measure both the length and width of oval hatches to make sure you get the best fit possible.
Hatch Style
There are two basic styles of kayak hatches out there. The first is the kind that is simply an opening with a lipped ring that allows you to push on a rubber hatch cover and seal it in place to make the compartment watertight.
The second is the style where the hatch cover is actually built into a plate that screws into the deck of your kayak. The cover usually opens and closes using hinges and secures in place using some type of swivel-lock latches.
Evaluating your needs will simply require a quick look at your kayak to determine which style you need to replace. In fact, if you have had your kayak for a while, you probably already know which style you have just from reading those descriptions (hopefully!).
Installation Requirements
In many ways, the installation requirements for your new hatch cover will be dictated by the style of hatch cover you need to replace. The simpler style will allow you to basically plug-and-play with your new hatch cover once it arrives.
The style in which the hatch cover is built into the deck plate will require the removal of the old deck plate and installation of the new one in its place. Usually, this simply requires the removal of several bolts that are holding the old deck plate in place, but some kayak brands use rivets to ensure the waterproof nature of these hatches.
Removing and replacing bolts is easy, but you need to make sure you don’t lose the washers and nuts that are holding the bolts in place. The nuts and washers guarantee that water that gets into the cockpit doesn’t leak into the hatch through the bolt holes.
Rivets are a whole different story. They will usually need to be drilled out to remove the old deck plate and then you will need a rivet tool in order to install the new ones (or you can and use bolts, watertight washers, and nuts instead!)
Budget
Because there are only so many sizes and designs out there, you will find plenty of hatch covers from different manufacturers that look almost exactly the same. So, once you hone in on the size and shape of the hatch cover you need, you can go bargain shopping.
If it seems like your eyes are deceiving you with some of these hatch covers, there is no need to blink twice. There are many identical models out there that are being sold at very different price points.
So take your time and find a budget-friendly kayak hatch cover that allows you to keep some money in your pocket for other fun kayaking accessories!
Kayak Hatch Cover Reviews
1. Alomejor Access Hatch Cover
- Dimensions: 17.5 inches long by 10.2 inches wide x 1 inch high
- Shape: Oval
- Weight: 21.94 ounces
The first hatch cover on our list is a great replacement for kayaks with oval-shaped hatches. It is made of a durable plastic material that is impact-resistant, water-resistant, and corrosion-resistant.
It is super easy to install if your kayak is missing an oval hatch cover and it includes a small tab with a hole in it on one side.
This allows you to run a string through it and secure it inside your compartment so that it doesn’t fall in the water once you remove it from your hatch.
2. HuthBrother Round Hatch Cover
- Dimensions: 9 inches in diameter and 1.18 inches tall
- Shape: Round
- Weight: 7.05 ounces
This round hatch cover fits hatches with an outside diameter of nine inches and an inside diameter of 7.5 inches.
It is specifically made for Valley Sea Kayaks, but it will work on kayaks with hatches that match its sizing specifications.
This is a great hatch for expedition-style kayaking because they are highly durable, 100% waterproof, and easy to remove when you need access to all the camping gear you packed for your overnight adventure.
3. VGEBY Kayak Deck Hatch Cover
- Dimensions: 17.5 inches long by 10.2 inches wide by 1 inch high
- Shape: Oval
- Weight: 21.94 ounces
The VGEBY hatch cover is actually very similar to the Alomejor model above, but it does come with a slightly more affordable price tag.
It boasts the same dimensions and the same rubberized plastic material.
This provided good waterproofing and easy installation and removal. It is also resistant to corrosion and heavy impacts, which makes it great for replacing the hatch cover on your ocean kayak.
4. Ocean Kayak Round Gaspachi Kayak Hatch Kit
- Dimensions: 8.5 inches in diameter by 1.25 inches high
- Shape: Round
- Weight: 22 ounces
The round Gaspachi kit is made to be a complete hatch replacement solution for several Ocean Kayak models. It is compatible with the Malibu Two, Malibu Two XL, Scrambler, and Cabo kayak models.
Because it is a complete hatch replacement, you will need a jigsaw and router in order to complete the installation of this new hatch cover.
That said, it does come with all of the requisite hardware you need to install it properly as long as you have those tools handy.
The hardware that it comes with includes rivets and a gear strap. It also comes with easy-to-use instructions to help you complete the installation.
Once it is in place, this durable rubber hatch cover is completely watertight to guarantee the security of the gear you place in your round bulkhead compartment.
5. Teror Deck Hatch Cover
- Dimensions: 17.5 inches long by 10.2 inches wide by 1 inch high
- Shape: Oval
- Weight: 21.94 ounces
Do you feel like you are experiencing some deja vu yet? The Teror deck hatch cover is another affordable fit for oval kayak hatches that are roughly 17 inches long and it is made of that same durable plastic material as the others above.
It is similarly easy to install and it comes with the security opening to attach a string to the inside of your bulkhead.
It also boasts corrosion-resistant, impact-resistant, and, of course, water-resistant properties.
6. Ocean Kayak Oval Gaspachi Kayak Hatch Kit
- Dimensions: 17.25 inches long by 10.5 inches wide by 1.25 inches high
- Shape: Oval
- Weight: 15.84 ounces
If you are looking for a full oval hatch replacement kit for your Ocean Kayak, this is the oblong version of the Gaspachi hatch kit. It fits on Ocean Kayak’s Scrambler XT, Sprinter, Malibu Two XL, and Zest Two EXP kayak models.
It should be noted that the inside diameter of this kayak hatch is slightly smaller than the outside dimensions listed above. To the inside edges, it measures 16.5 inches long by 9.375 inches across.
It also requires a slightly more involved installation process than the plug-and-play hatch covers that we have listed above. It does, however, come with all of the hardware you will need to install it properly.
That includes four rivets, one strap eye, two washers, a strap with a buckle, and, of course, the hatch cover with leash itself. You will also find easy-to-follow installation instructions to make this a manageable DIY project.
7. SH-RuiDu Waterproof Oval Hatch Cover
- Dimensions: 17.5 inches long by 10.2 inches wide by 1 inch high
- Shape: Oval
- Weight: 21.94 ounces
This waterproof oval hatch cover from SH-RuiDu is identical to the models from Alomejor, Felenny, and Teror.
Oddly enough, this one has a price tag that falls squarely between the most expensive and cheapest models from the other manufacturers.
If you missed the best features of the others, this one is waterproof, impact-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and highly durable. Plus, it is easy to install and remove in probably less than a minute.
8. SEAFLO Marine Deck Access Hatch & Lid
- Dimensions: 24 inches long by 14 inches wide by 1 inch high
- Shape: Square
- Weight: 5.75 pounds
If you have been searching for a square hatch cover, I am sorry that you had to wait this long to find the first inclusion on our list. This SEAFLO hatch and lid is designed to be a complete hatch replacement solution and it comes with a four-year warranty.
It is made of an ABS plastic material that is resistant to ultraviolet rays so that it will hold up for years. The top of the lid also boasts anti-slip properties, which can be great if you are replacing a hatch cover in your stand-up fishing kayak.
This hatch and lid solution does require a more involved installation process than some of the others. It does come with pre-drilled and countersunk fastening holes, but you will need to purchase screws or bolts separately.
It also boasts a thick rubber seal around the underside of the rim to ensure 100% weatherproofing. Once installed, the lid can open all the way up to 180 degrees to provide easy access to your compartment.
When you close the lid, it completely covers the mounting flange for a flush finish. It is also supplied with two strong, recessed handles that make it easy to open and close the lid.
Also, please note that the dimensions listed above refer to the outer edges of the hatch. Once you install it, the inside clearance actually measures 20.6 inches long by 11 inches wide and the flush design means that it will only protrude above the deck of your kayak by 0.7 inches.
9. SEAFLO Black Circular Hatch with Detachable Cover
- Dimensions: Three Sizes Available (4”, 6”, and 8” in diameter)
- Shape: Round
This is one of the most affordable full, round kayak hatch replacement solutions out there. It is available in three different sizes and all of those sizes refer roughly to the inside diameter of the hatch.
As you can see, this hatch is designed to replace the existing mounted hatch in your kayak. So it is best for folks that have lost or broken the lid of the recessed round hatch in their kayak.
It is made of an ultraviolet-resistant thermoplastic ABS material and boasts a reinforced lid so that it will last for years to come. The lid also boasts a non-skid finish so that you can place small items on it without worrying about them sliding around.
This round hatch features six pre-drilled mounting holes, but you should be careful to save the other hardware from your old hatch when you remove it. Otherwise, you will need new bolts, washers, and nuts to complete the installation.
10. Anndason 8” Black Deck Hatch with Storage Bag
- Dimensions: 8 inches in diameter by 2.1 inches high
- Shape: Round
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
If you need a full replacement for the deck plate and hatch cover on an eight-inch kayak hatch, Anndason’s model includes a built-in storage bag to keep your smaller items secure and more easily accessible.
The outer diameter of the deck plate is actually 10.2 inches and you will need to install this solution using bolts or screws. It is manufactured using high-quality ABS material to provide a durable, long-lasting product.
It also comes with a specially-designed EVA gasket to protect your kayak’s deck from damage during the installation process. Plus, it boasts a recessed, twisting handle that makes it easy to open and close once it is installed.
11. Pactrade Marine 20” Hatch Kit with Storage Bag
- Dimensions: 20 inches long by 11.875 inches wide by 1.875 inches high
- Shape: Oval
- Weight: 2.69 pounds
If you are looking for a hard plastic hatch kit to replace the oval hatch in your touring kayak, check out this 20-inch hatch kit from Pactrade Marine.
It is made of UV-stabilized plastic with a round textured surface, which gives it a clean look while also being durable enough to hold up to prolonged sun exposure.
The inside opening of this hatch actually measures 16.75 inches long by 8 inches across and the storage bag that it comes with is 11-12 inches deep.
While the lid itself is watertight when secured with the recessed handles, the storage bag itself is not 100% waterproof.
12. FORSUN 6” Deck Hatch with Cat Bag
- Dimensions: 6 inches in diameter by 2.2 inches high
- Shape: Round
- Weight: 13.44 ounces
The FORSUN deck hatch is made for hatch openings with a six-inch diameter and it includes a storage bag with a 12-inch depth.
It comes with the eight screws needed to install it in your kayak and also has pre-drilled holes to save you some time.
The storage bag can be completely removed for cleaning (or if you decide you don’t need it). Plus, this hatch cover solution is made of an impact and corrosion-resistant plastic that will last for a long time.
Final Thoughts
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There is no reason to put off replacing your kayak hatch covers if they are broken or missing. Also, you might consider replacing them even if they look like they are in decent shape but you continue to notice water in your bulkhead compartments.
Sometimes an upgrade in this department can be the difference between comfortable overnight kayak adventures and sleeping in a slightly damp sleeping bag. Plus, hatch covers are far from the most expensive kayaking accessory you could purchase.
At the end of the day, the investment is worth it to ensure the safety of the gear inside your compartments. So we hope you have enjoyed the tips and hatch cover reviews we have included in this guide.
As always, we wish you the best of luck on all of your upcoming kayaking journeys!
Reader Questions
How should I choose between these options?
Start with the problem you need to solve: easier transport, more comfort, better stability, lower price, or better performance. The best choice is the one that matches your actual use case, not the one with the longest feature list.
Should I trust a product just because it is listed first?
No. Use the “best for” notes, drawbacks, specifications, and your own constraints to decide whether a recommendation fits your situation.
