: Ive made two boats with small hatches right in front of the cockpit (between
: and above the paddler's legs) they are just the size for a pair of
: binoculars, a disposable camera or a sandwich. I cut the hatch first then
: make a box from 1/8" plywood to fit (cheking to make sure i can still
: get in and out. I made the hatch cover attatch to the deck with wood or
: brass hinges and latched them closed with either a bungee or a knob with a
: catch-pin inside the lip of the hatch.

: this is a good location for a "day" hatch easily accessable from
: the cockpit while afloat...MUCH moreso than a hatch behind the cockpit.

I agree with Eric's solution. However, for those of us who can't/won't/don't want to go through such hassle, the crafty Finns from Kajak-Sport has developed a fantastic "mini-hatch" system. Instead of cutting an opening on the deck, and messing around with waterprofing, and worrying about hitting one's knees against some unfriendly sharp edges, and not getting sufficient storage space, etc. etc. etc., the Kajak-Sport "mini-hatch" system is easily mounted on the inside deck (thus no need to cut anything on the deck); is relatively large (over 21" long and about 10" wide in the front); has rounded edges (no "ouches"!); and, perhaps best of all, it is 100% waterproof (access through one of their world-renowned 4" hatch cover)!! Check it out for yourself on their web site below.