I am starting to realize that this leaking front hatch problem is one of the most talked about issues regarding Hobie Kayaks. (especially among the Hobie bashers on other forums).
I think recently (in the last year) Hobie has worked diligently to try an improve the front hatch seal system on all of their Rotomolded boats including the AI/TI. I suspect that most of the remaining leaking hatch complaints are from people with the older seal designs (the old super glued tubing onto a U shaped rail (LOL, kind of a black eye, designwise)). I am also thinking the leaking problem mostly shows up on AI/TI boats because people tend to take them into heavier conditions (because they can).
I for one am very happy with the hatch seal on my 2012 TI, the hull is very dry (almost no water leakage, even in rough conditions). This is my 3rd TI now, and by leaps and bounds the best (I've owned 8 Hobie Kayaks now). Hobie listens to our problems, and always fixes them ( I really admire that).
I am suggesting that anyone with the older style seals before trying anything else upgrade to the new style seals. The seals are available I'm sure directly from your Hobie dealer, and for those not close to a dealer, the gasket material can be purchased mail order from Austin Kayak here (
http://www.austinkayak.com/products/155 ... -Foot.html), and I'm sure from other mail order places, that sell Hobie stuff as well.
The material is about $3.00 per foot, and you will need 6 or 7 ft to replace the old seals (inside and outside). You only need a pair of scissers, and 10 minutes of your time. And if you want a little extra protection add the 1/4" dia soft vinyl tubing trick that I outlined earlier (about 3 ft @ .30 cents per ft at Home Depot). When done your setup should look like my pictures earlier in this thread.
For those who don't feel comfortable doing the work, simply take your kayak to your Hobie dealer, they are all very friendly and capable and most if not all will be happy to do the changeover for you (Hobies dealer knowledge and support is un-equaled).
I love my Hobies, and once solved, this will be one less thing for the Hobie bashers to cling onto ( I hate those guys LOL)
Hope this helps.
Bob