Yep, Chip would have a lever that you pull to lower the seat and open the bulkhead at the same time... then a little arm would come out and grab your gear for you.

Seriously, I just bought the Kajaq Sport backband from Newfound Woodworks, and it is designed with a velcro release for getting to that space behind the seat, or for getting to that rear bulkhead. Not to mention it's comfortable too.

My take on bulkhead hatches... they are more trouble than they are worth. You have to crawl up into the kayak to get any stray gear out. After contemplating them I decided against them. The idea of no bulkheads is not good either (in my opinion.) In a wet exit you would have a lot more water to pump out, and you would get everything wet. even if your gear is in dry bags, it still sucks to get a bunch of water in with your gear.

BUT... if going with bulkhead hatches do the easy thing... go to your local boat supply and get a screw-down pvc hatch. They come in sizes up to around 18", maybe bigger.

-Malcolm