: for those tempted to mount their hatch covers with cabinet or automotive
: hinges with or without latch mechanisms, please do think through the
: failure mode - what happens if you are getting back in the boat in rough
: seas and the hatch is pulled sideways, then wont close because the hinge
: is bent? Or, the hinge breaks and forget about closing?

: I envision losing seaworthiness.

Not a pretty vision! So, I see half hinges, which really only give positive location, and only when they are pressed together. One end of the hatch has a tongue that reaches under the inner seal plate, to hold one end down, the sides of pins register on wood with grooves to accept hinge pins, then push other side down and snap the latch. If latch failed, hatch (if previously tethered from inside) could be closed with bungee around the boat, or with duct tape. Incidence of failure of good quality latches is probably low (another test series?) so the effect would be the spiffy "Leidy Look", perhaps easier to achieve. TNX, Scotty