In planning to build a SOF I too have been thinking of ways to keep the flexability yet have usable hatches and bulkheads.

A few of the ideas I am toying with are; skinning a frame (loom type frame)for hatch lids with traditional looking hatch ties (slide-type deckrigging but placed over the hatch) with internal framing in an attempt at flush (really like the look of flush hatches), or a protruding hatch lip with lids of waterproof material held in place by cord(like a skirt), and foam bulkheads.

Only having 1 stripper under my belt and no SOFs, the thought of trying something like this on my first SOF attempt is hindering my motivation.