: 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.

Actually I have seen a rear only hatch that had a hinge on one side and latch on the other. I saw the boat on some guys website who is a wood worker and took the CLC LT17 design changed it a little bit and is now trying to sell them. If I can remember how to find his site I'll post it.