: Thanks for all the great suggestions! All 3 options look doable and like
: they'll hold up well. I think I'm going to look into the magnet option
: some more since I'm a fan of simplicity and as few moving parts as
: possible.

: I'm building a slightly scaled down Redfish King and will hopefully be out
: paddling by the Summer!

: Thanks again!
: Claudia

I opted for the magnets, and am quite happy w/ the results. The boats have spent days in Lakes Erie & Michigan being dumped on in 3 to 4' chops, and sustained downpours atop the car (cockpit up) at 70mph+. Of the 4 hatches (2 boats), only one hatch lets in the slightest trace of moisture (nothing more than a few drops). In 10 minutes I could adjust the liner to eliminate this, but it 's so slight it hasn't justified that time.

If you can manage minimal space between the aligned pairs (the width of two layers of glass and the compressed gasket), the bond is very strong. Do create recesses, one each side, at the lowest point (relative to gravity) along the edge for drainage. You will want to attach a chord or knob for the means for opening the hatch. Trying to pry the hatch off w/ fingers in the drainage recess will lead to lost fingernails. It's that tight! As another (I believe it was Rob) mentioned, do install a layer (at least one) of glass over the magnets to help keep moisture, and the resulting rust, away.

I'll post another image showing the hatch opened. Feel free to inquire if you have further concerns as you get into it.

Todd