I just did my hatches on my Guillemot Exp single today. One thing i've learned at this point in making my kayak is i've worried about too much as i go along. I don't worry as much but enjoy.

I had mold release left from fiberglassing days and after 5 hours they both popped off with only a little struggle. the fact that the hatch popped off and the lip stayed on the deck tells me the wax did it's job.

I wouldn't think you'ld need a notch to take the hatch off if you're planning to put cord accross the hatch to hold it down. you'll have a loop to hold the cord onto the hatch tha you could use. I will be notching my, however, for the water to drain out. i've got about 145 hours into mine so far and at this rate plan to be paddling by the end of the month, how about you?

steve