I removed a chimp pump from my Valley Pintail. I plan to replace it with a Beckman deck plate and add a bulkhead to make a day hatch. I plan to use plywood for the bulkhead. That's as far as I've gotten. I'd like advice as to plywood thickness (1/4", 3/8" etc.), should I add a wooden lip to give more surface area for better bonding? should I get a good fit and epoxy it in with a Lexel bead to finish it off? Any advice would be great.

I've built several SOFs, some with fabric bulkheads, but this is my first venture into modifying a glass boat.

Thanks in advance.

-Eric