: but to me this is a simple approach.

Well, apparently we have dramatically different definitions of "simple". To me, popping a rubber hatch over a plastic ring is simple. Magnetic hatch closures are simple. Deckplates are simple. No moving parts, no rigging, no straps...I'm sure you get my drift. I guess what I'm refering to are "elegant" solutions. I agree that your suggestions would be improvements, but nothing will make this setup simple.

What surprises me is that I have yet to see a hatch that uses a hinge on one side and a locking catch on the other. I mean really, how basic is that? A simple door into your boat, right?

I love seeing creative approaches and solutions to problems, but some of them seem to do little more than to confirm that the spirit of Rube Goldberg is alive and well.