I am in the final stages of assembling my CLC 18lt (second plywod kayak), and find that I really like the lines of the boat. The more I look at it the more I like it. I have been hesitating to cut holes in the deck, for aesthetic reasons, but naturally I would like to be able to stow gear in the fore and aft compartments.

At his point, for the back, I have a six inch white plastic deck plate installed vertically in the back bulkhead, and might install some netting a foot or so in to keep things from sliding all the way back. This would not work for the front, which would otherwise take a bigger plate, since the front bulkhead is quite out of reach the cockpit opening, and I would be unable to use the plate.

I have read on this site how to make flush deck hatches, but need ideas on alternatives to the network of webbing that people use for securing the hatches.

I would also like to know exactly how the Pygmy hatches differ from the CLC hatches, and if the basic design from the Pygmy is adaptable to the CLC cambered deck.

Finally, the front hatch on this boat, as supplied from CLC, is quite small. Does anyone have suggestions/cautions regarding to making a bigger hole in the front deck?

Thanks all.