> I like this hidden hatch idea a lot except I think it would limit the size
> of the hatch opening on most kayaks to maybe only 4 inches high or so. I
> assume you are only referring to the rear of the kayak as you would never
> be able to reach the forward bulkhead through the cockpit. It sounds like
> it could work fine in the rear if you packed all your gear in flat wide
> packages and slid them in and out.

Easy access? Nope. Access forward is difficult. You are quite right about that, but the having a hatch in the bulkhead has other advantages -- mostly in getting out leaking water, or condensation. Access behind the seat should be pretty easy, though. And, if you plan to do any sailing, it might be easier to stow a mast through a bulkhead port than through a deck port.

As for the size of the hole for the hatch: some one said they have an 8 inch hatch opening. I suppose the maximum size would depend on how deep the hull and how high the deck were. There is no real reason to make the hatch circular. Imagine the shape of a building form for a stripper, or the cross section of your boat at the point where you are installing the bulkhead. Your hatch opening could be this shape, but 2 to 4 inches smaller in all dimensions. That would give you 1 to 2 inch wide wood to provide support on all sides, and a big gaping hole in the center for stowing gear. The hatch cover would be almost the size of the bulkhead itself, which would allow a good overlap, so installing weatherstripping foam, for a good seal, should be easy.

If you plan to get gear to the far ends of the boat, put a pulley, or at least an eyebolt, at the far end, and run a line through it. Tie one end of the line to a gear bag, and tug on the other end of the line to drag the gear bag all the way to the end of the boat. A line tied on the other end of the gear bag helps you retrieve it.

Hope this helps

Paul Jacobson