Maybe try something like Ross's hatch. Pulley rt at bow, dble long looped line both pulls in tied on gear and hatch cover. Other side pulls it all out. Second hatch hole is also the vent. Latch or tie or jam fitting for the line. Some possible problems if scrambling around but could be minimized.

Another idea is the same i/s hatch, but close up to the foot peg rails. Or extend the rails to touch. Buy another set of just foot pegs, slide them on the rails first, (maybe hack them down a bit to get rid of excess plastic), and jam them against the hatch cover. Pull releas each side. Maybe a little resting knob on the hatch to align.

-mick