: Need a couple of dimensions. On the coaming: How much space/height under the
: lip?
: And how much lip? How much should it extend out?

: Now on the hatches. Any recommendation on weatherstripping? I know I have
: read this before but I can't remember what was suggested.

: Last question. I have decided to go with the straps and buckles to hold the
: hatches in place. I don't want to do a screw and washer on the deck. So I
: am thinking about doing something like the soft pad eyes on the ends.
: Unless someone has a better idea .... and I wouldn't be surprised.

Might consider using 1/8" or 3/16" chord (rope) for your soft pad-eyes. I tried welding (melting) strap ends together, but after many attempts, still couldn't come up with a seam that would not fail using what I thought to be little effort. I've seen where others have used epoxied wood catches, but that seemed to me be a fair amount of work for something that should be so simple.

Beauty of the chord is:
1. No fussing with slots. Just drill a hole, fill it with epoxy, drill a smaller hole. Should make for easier future replacement, as well.
2. The knot is not going to fail. If that pad-eye ever comes off your boat, it's likely taking part of your boat with it.
3. Being smaller in area, the rope is less visible than strap.
4. Seems to be just as many, if not more, options on colors/patterns in chord vs. strap.
5. No worries about straps becoming dog-eared.

Just my thoughts. I'm guessing there are plenty others out there who prefer and have success with strap pad-eyes. I'd encourage you to experiment on some scrap wood w/ both materials before putting holes in your boat.

Todd