Like you, I prefer the clean lines of a no deck hatch boat. But I also like the idea of dry storage in the ends. So I built a huge set of hatches into my bulkheads. Basically I cut out my bulheads, then traced a line about 3 inches inside that, and cut that out. Now my bulkhead looks like donut. I doubled it up (probably needless overkill) for peace of mind.

I then cut out hatches that are just like the bulheads, but slightly smaller. Then with some trial shaping and cutting got them to where I could easily fit them in and out of the cockpit of the boat. Some more scrap wood piece work, and I built up some guides so they always go in just right and are held by the wood strip at the bottom.

Currently they are locked in place by two screws going through drilled holes in the hatches, into epoxied in brass thread inserts. Works nicely, eventually I'll get around to picking up some thumb wheels instead of using screws. Carrying a screwdriver is inconvenient.

Imo, I've the best of both worlds. Very large access to my ends for storage, clean deck lines, watertight storage without seals in my open cockpit with up to about 3 inches of water sloshing around in there. I'd recommend considering it.

> I am about to put the finishing touches on my Pygmy Osprey Std.
> I am now deciding whether or not to put hatches and bulkheads in.
> I know that I want bulkheads but I am not so sure if I like the idea
> of cutting two big holes in my new boat for hatches. Only problem
> is you can't put the bulkheads in without installing hatches (big
> holes!). Or can you?? What do all yall think about sacrificing watertightness
> and a nice open smooth deck for a couple of lousy hatches. BTW I don't
> think that I will really need the hatches for any practical purpose.
> Please advise Patrick Davis