Chip:
Firstly, I've built but one boat - a SOF a la Morris. Ergo, I'm no expert.
Secondly, I don't see why you couldn't steam bend a small round hatch and stitch it into place. It's been done before, although I don't recall where I saw pics of such a boat. There are tandem SOFs around, so more than one opening is very acheiveable without compromising the boat.

I'm not sure I follow your statement about "same concept with the bulkheads". I'd think that flotation bladders are the best way to go with a Cunningham/Morris SOF.

Peter

: I'm reading Chris Cunningham's book now and he's just mentioned stitching the
: skin along the gunwale instead of up the middle of the deck... I haven't
: read the skinning chapter yet but it reminded me of some ideas I've had
: (uh oh).

: How dumb would it be to do recessed hatches on a SOF? I figure I could
: frame-out the hatch openings easily enough. Then I would stitch the fabric
: along the openings and the hatch covers - kind of like the cockpit
: treatment. Lots of work but it may be worthwhile if it means I can put a
: little camping gear inside. Same concept with the bulkheads.

: www.ChipSandresky.com