INTRODUCTION
This project outlines the development cycle of a premium overmolded kayak hatch for the high-end Liquid Logic and Native Watercraft brands. The materials I selected are proprietery but I can tell you its a plastic center section "core" and a rubber rim. 100% Made in the USA!
You'll notice there are no prototypes. This is becasue the tooling is so expensive. In other words, I only had one shot to get it right!
As of 07/15/2013, this hatch can be found on select Liquid Logic Kayaks and Native Watercraft Kayaks. Enjoy!
INSPIRATION
TESTING THE CURRENT PRODUCT
CONFIGURATION REVIEW
MODELING THE PART
TOOLING
This is a video of a large EDM electrode doing the finishing pass on the core of the hatch. I've seen this a million times and I still think this is really cool!
PRODUCTION
MODIFYING EXISTING BOAT MOLDS
INSTALLED HATCHES
THE FUTURE
SPECIAL THANKS GOES TO:
Shane Benedict, Sam Spear, Bryon Phillips, Hollis Reinlander, Beau Youngblood, Wes Cobb, The Smithson Family, James, Joe, and the rest of this stellar team.
Thanks to the whole Legacy Paddlesports team for letting me take control and push the limits on this hatch! You're all awesome!
Finally, thanks to my wife and kids for putting up with the long hours; I love you!