Hi Chris

I haven't done it, but my thoughts are that a tube (i.e. round section) is an inefficient use of the precious space above/betw the knees. It just is not a fair shape under the cockpit.

So I agree with you that turning the yak upside down, shaping a pc of foam say 6in wide x 3in deep by 12in or more long under the cockpit would make a great form for a glove box type of recess that gives a good amount of space and can be sanded fair into the cockpit. The sides could be shaped to accept the side of your knees very easily. Glass over it and dig out the foam. Depending on the closure put in a 1/2in flange.

If watertightness not desired glue on a flap of neoprene on the lower flange and velco on the top. Or 2 halves of neoprene w/ flanged zipper - prob water resistant.

If watertightness req'd, make an undersized lid, use the silicone technique (ya ya ya) and put a strap over.

So you end up w/ a compact, efficient and faired shape that has the least likelihood of hanging up your legs in dire circumstances.

For anyone who has a ww background and is used to pillars, the majority of the pillar does not need to be flexible and could also be used as vertical storage. My guess is that most of the stress, load etc is vertical and say the ctr 50% or more could be a vertical rectangular compartment w/ extended wings to hold shorter pillar pcs above or below. Or the pillar pcs could literally be the ends. If your pillar is 3 in wide, and assuming the deck ht is 12in, cut out a 6in high section 3in from the bottom say 12 in long. Glue (flexible) in a box w/ the same dimensions but w/ sides say 9 in high instead of 6 in. Get a 1 1/2in over lap to hold the 3in pillar sides.

But I guess these are poor alternates to day hatches which don't require removing the skirt under bad conditions in order to get your bud.

-mick