: I really like your outfitting. You need to put it all on a web page so I can
: link to it!!!

Thanks! I just FTP'd the pics to the web space my new ISP is providing. Haven't taken the time to figure out how to build an actual web page yet. Soon, though.

: After seeing your day hatch, I'm determined to install one of my own. I think
: I'm going to slant the forward aft bulkhead to really help minimize
: cockpit volume, and also to help the boat drain easier.

I thought about slanting the main aft bulkhead, but I decided to stick with the stock one provided with the kit & it fits best vertically. I also wanted a little behind-the-seat storage for paddle float and the like, although it only worked out to about 2 inches once I got the seat in place.

If you put that
: forward bulkhead flush with the inside edge of the coaming, you can drain
: the boat to within a few drops.

I only have about 1-inch of coaming lip in front of the bulkhead. This allows weight on the coaming to be supported by the bulkhead yet still give a spot for a screw eye/pad eye to hold the backband in place. (I may do away with the backband and just put foam padding on the coaming, but that's another story). The lip also gives something to hook fingers on when picking the boat up.

: At first, I thought day hatches were ugly, but after seeing Joe's on the
: King, they really don't have to be.

That flush-mount no-handle compartment certainly was slick!

Still, I'd just as soon put a Beckson
: on like yours. Not quite as aesthetic, but very, very secure and the
: usefulness outweighs the looks.

That was my thought. I originally was going to try to do a wooden hatch (flush mount, or oversized like the standard CLC hatches). But as I got into the project I wasn't confident that I could fabricate a good-sealing, easy-opening, low profile hatch on my first boat. Then I saw this 8" from Beckson (for something like $16) and decided I could live with the black plastic. This is a "utilitarian" boat, not a work of art. (Now on my NEXT one... )