: Alright, so many questions! I'm working towards the hatches of the great auk.
: So here's what I don't know:

1. I cut out patterns from Nick Schade's
: book. Am I right in assuming the dual set of measurements are for the bow
: and the stern cutouts? The bow being the smaller and somewhat the reverse
: of the stern?

Yes, but you can make them any shape you want. Oval, circle, diamond, heart-shaped, whatever.

: 2. What is the distance between the back of the cockpit, farthest point, to
: the most forward point of the rear hatch?

I try to make it 6 inches from the rear bulkhead to the closest hatch lip so i can fit in long stuff like an extra paddle, tentpoles, etc. into the rear hatch. Your best bet it to masking tape off on the deck where the bulkhead is and then place the hatch to what looks good. A nice even space around it is pleasing to the eye. You also need to consider what type of hatch rentention systen you plan to use. External buckles take more space than internal bungees and Moby systems.

Same question for the bow hatch?
: Say from the most front of the cockpit to the most rear of the hatch. This
: assuming I put in foot braces and a 3" foam bulkhead.

Same as above, but it depends how tall you are. I usually leave abot 3 inches between the front bulkhead and the hatch. Again, center the hatch so it looks good.

: 3. Can I buy graphite powder locally?

What for, and where are you located?

: 4. Can I do this hatch work before I put the final coat and sand the outside
: of the kayak, which I assume I'll do after bonding the hull w/ the deck.

You want to cut hatches before you mate the deck to the hull, but after you have glassed both sides of the deck. You will need to make hatch rings, assuming that you are not using factory made hatches, and that process is detailed on the One Oceans Kayak website. www.oneoceankayak.com It's easy to do and they can be 100% waterproof if you are careful. You can color the epoxy using latex paint colorant (go to any big box hardware store with a film canister and ask them to fill it up with black, it only takes a few drops.)

: 5. Do you rec the placement of carbon cloth on the underside of the deck to
: strengthen the deck before I cut the hatches.

No, unless you don't have any fiberglass scraps laying around and have a roll of carbon. If that's the case, I'll be happy to trade. :-) I usually put a piece of carbon under the rear of the cockpit, between the hatch cutout as you will more than likely put stress on this area as you enter and exit your kayak.

: That's enough before I wear out my welcome! Someday I'll be the helper here!

After building 14 kayaks and canoes, I still seek help here.

Enjoy the process and happy paddles.