I placed 4 tie points to the hull, a little wider than the hatch opening, near the sides so they are out of the way. FG'ed (4) 50lb mirror anchor hooks under the hatch cover. Attached 2 pieces of bungie cord to anchors on the hull to form 2 loops. To place the hatch lid on, reach into boat and pull one loop onto 2 hatch hooks. With just this one cord attached, the hatch acts like a spring loaded door. Reach in and grab the other loop, pull up and attach to the other 2 hatch hooks as you close. There is a finger groove/drain on one side like Nick describes in his book.

My first try I had the bungie too tight and like to never have gotten the cover off again. Added a little slack and everything is great now. If I was to do it over, I would go with one bungie loop and 2 hooks near the center of the hatch.

After the boat gets banged up a bit I may go back and add deck hardware for decoration. I have 3 boys so there is no "if" in the banged up statement. For now, I'll keep it pure.

Thanks for comments,

Dwight

: What are you doing/did you do for hardware and hatches as such?

: Dwight, let me translate a compliment from Rehd... the old woodworker hasn't
: even FOUND the hatches yet!!!!!