: My idea was to use a loop of bungie from the hatch thru a block
: (pulley) then back to the deck (either in front of or in back of the
: hatch, which ever fits easier), the loop in the bungie is tensioned with a
: line thru a block (pulley) that's attached to the keel (bottom of the
: boat), then runs thru a hole in the bulkhead to a clam cleat near the
: seat. Requires a hole in the bulkhead but the bulkhead needs vented anyway
: so doesn't matter much about the hole. Just need to route the tensioning
: line so it's out of the way of your feet.

: With the tensioning line released, the bungie is slack and the hatch can be
: easily removed. Tensioning the line keeps the hatch secured very securely
: and leaves the deck clean.

Bill, that's an interesting idea. Were you thinking that you would hinge one side of the hatch cover? I'm trying to picture how you'd have the downward force evenly distributed over the cover otherwise.

-Greg H
St. Paul, MN