Duke

Don't know whether they are the same, however Sealect hatch covers seem to work. I got an oval one for my glass Avocet, after few hundred rolls haven't seen any water in the rear compartment (didn't try it in conditions yet). I ordered the cover thru Charles River Kayak in Newton (sealect doesn't sell them directly). Hope this helps.

Suz, thank you! This is a great idea, will try. Once I almost lost my temper and was about to use a flat screwdriver. Those potty scrapers also could come handy after paddling some really rough seas ;-))))) Cheers, Mike

Gene, thank you for your comment. I do use 303 on the underside, still the hatches are very difficult to remove. The boat is glass Avocet. Cheers, Mike

Are there any covers that would fit oval hatches on Valley boats, and would be easier to put on/off? I am sick of breaking my nails trying to take them off. Would appreciate any suggestions. TIA

Hi Jon, Thank you for your comments. I just called Werner (spoke with Shannon) - they will take care of this. I own(ed) several of their WW paddles and love them; their support is also great, once I broke a blade on a Double Diamond - they fixed it for free two years after the warranty expired. Best, Mike

Just got a new Werner Ikelos and noticed that there is some play in the ferrule. It's not loose but certainly doesn't feel like a one-piece paddle (I always had WW paddles, not used to two-piece ones). Could anyone using their paddles with new ferrule system please let me me know whether this is normal, or should I get it fixed. Would appreciate your comments/suggestions. Cheers

>Also, as mentioned above, is there such a thing as a bombproof roll? Yes, there's such a thing as a bombproof roll. You either have it, or not.... sorry... Otherwise, you have no business paddling in 8-10 rollers 3-4 miles offshore Cheers

Wow! What a ridiculous thread and discussion, I'm new here... If you don't have a combat roll you simply don't paddle to Isle of Schoals, especially if water is rough. It's not like friendly chit-chat rolling session at Walden Pond. Sorry guys... Cheers everyone, Paddle safely