: I plan to make flush hatches on my wife's S&G Coho with Leidy Lid under deck
: holddowns. My concern is will I ever be able to pry them open? With the
: flat surface of a S&G and thin cross section of the plywood, I can't
: envision that a finger divot would be very effective. Has anyone had
: success in installing flush hatches on a S&G without any protruding dowels
: or knobs? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

: Thanks,

: Gary B.

The hatches on my Coho were hard to remove, so I tied a piece of flat polyester ribbon 3/8" wide and very thin onto the hatch tether loop on the undeside of the hatch. I lay the ribbon on the deck when installing the hatch. I leave it sticking up about 1/2", almost cant see it. When opening the hatch, just pull on the ribbon and the excess will feed thru the hatch lip and give me about 1 1/2" pull tab. I was going to sew a plastic D ring or zipper pull on the end for a better grab loop but, have not needed it so far. The ribbon does not create a leak. The only down side is forgetting to lay ribbon on deck when installing the hatch. I rarely do that anymore. It makes a great conversation piece. Kids always ask "what's that for"

Larry C.