: Similar to Allan, I can see different size/shape choices driven by different
: goals. I narrowed and moved the rear hatch on my CLC Shearwater 16 hybrid,
: so that I could leave a less crowded space for rigging behind the cockpit,
: and so the hatch edges would be comfortably away from the sides, and
: better match the positioning of the front hatch.

: One thing to keep in mind is the length of items you may potentially wish to
: transport. A longer hatch closer to a bulkhead will allow longer objects
: to fit inside.

Thanks to both of you for the responses. I have located the hatches with paper templates and have had the saw in hand. I just got a little nervous and thought I would ask if there is anything that I am overlooking before I took the plunge - so to speak. I will take one more look and perhaps measurement and then start up the saw....