> I am thinking about replacing my current day hatch (one of the screw off
> kinds) which is behind the cockpit because it just leaks too much. I
> suppose its mostly from rolling, but I have flares inside of ziplock bags
> inside of the day hatch and I have to drain them at the end of the day.
> Anyhow, I'm thinking about the smaller VCP hatch. Are there any problems
> twisting around to put these back on if the hatch is behind you (and off
> center) while you are on the water? Also, can these be fitted to a
> cambered rear, plywood deck such as is on my CLC.

I have done the same thing on my Pintail, Dave. No problems getting it on and off, and it's probably easier than trying to line up the threads on a deck plate. It's essentially watertight. Make sure you tether it somehow --- side release buckles and straps work well --- and, if you can get inside the hull, even a foam bulkhead helps contain any water that might slosh in while you're reaching inside.

Re the installation, the Pintail afterdeck was nearly flat. For some really good installation ideas, look at a 17 June post to this list by Bobby Curtis. He provides access to a web site that gives some interesting information on how he installed VCPs. (I'm a better kayaker than I am a kayak builder, and I'm a better kayak builder than I am a BBS user --- can't figure out how to get the URL to stay in messages on this BBS, so I won't try again. They just disappear! Off-BBS, anybody wanna tell me how to do it?)

Jack