: Jamming gear through a small bulkhead hatch would not be
: fun. On the other hand, sliding gear into the ends of the boat from an
: unobstructed cockpit sounds great. : www.ChipSandresky.com

Why does the bulkhead hatch have to be small?

I was just contemplating the use of bulkhead hatches myself when this thread started. I'm building a double that will have three water tight compartments. I had just about convinced myself that the front compartment of the double will have such a small usable volume that I wouldn't even put a hatch there. The other two bulkheads will each get a large watertight door.

Are the bulkheads considered structural? Uh, um, I guess since people leave them out entirely and use inflated bags they must not be. The trick then is to design your seat and back bands so that they are easy to remove or partially detach so you can open the largest possible door to the rear bulkhead.

I am going to assume that Chip will come up with the trickiest tilt-away seat and back band design ever seen if I can wait a week or three. It's Ok Chip, I'm just now starting on the deck so I'll get back with you in a month. :-)

Kyle T