> The hatch cover rim is slightly above the surface of the deck, so I can
> lift it pretty easily. I don't have to use the gap as a fingerhold; the
> bungees don't have a death-grip on the hatch cover. I was considering
> making some sort of indentation on the sides of the cover to give a better
> grip, but so far it hasn't been necessary.

If you're having problems with water-tightness, run the bungee-cords through a couple of small pulley-blocks and to the cockpit. That way you can increase the tension on the bungee-cords after the hatches is in place and decrease the tension before removing them.

Totto