I did have a similar spray deck long ago, but i prefer to have the hatch on deck - it serves to carry snacks on EVERY paddle tour. The rescue part is only a dual function, or an option. My kayak does not take in water in normal use, but i like to have this option if things go really wrong. Can happen to anybody (?).

risto

: I thought about a similar scenario But declined to implement.

: Seals has a sprayskirt option with a Pump hatch sewn into skirt. My
: local Kayak shop cant give them away

: 1)Unless Im going to be playing in real rough stuff off shore I
: carry my pump under my deck.also if I were to play in that realm
: Id probably install a fixed pump system Ie: foot pump ...

: 2) the only reason my boat floods is if I fall out and if thats the
: case I swim to shore pump out and get back in or Im with some
: one that does a "T" rescue and they pretty much empty
: my boat by turning it upside down.

: so I (for me) cant think of any reason to have a pump hatch. again
: if my boat was filling up cuz my spray skirt was letting water
: in over a long paddle id install the fixed pump.

: Im one of the least experienced on this board but thats my take on
: the hatch thing doesnt seem that practical.

: like I metioned the Kayak shop I deal with cant give away pump
: hatch spray skirts.

: I yield though to the more experienced folks on this board .

: "John"