: Is there a good rule of thumb on the placement of the hatches, or is it just : : personal preference?

I think it's personal preference. On my Outer Island I located my forward hatch just a tad aft of the location where the deck rises up to the bow because I didn't wanna be lookin' at the hatch as I paddled. You also should also take into account your deck rigging ... I beleive in full length deck lines except in the cockpit area ... so I make shure I can stick my arm in my hatch and reach the pad eye bolts. Also ... make sure you make 'em big enough to wiggle yourself into 'em when you do the far ends of the interior seam tape ... don't forget to take into account your hatch lip width too.

Ken