: finishing up a great auk 17' and would like to ask: where / what
: size are the hatches?
: I purchased the kayak 70% built and did not receive the plans with
: it. I'm ready to cut holes but want to get it right.

: I am assuming that the fore hatch opening should start 3 inches
: from the bulkhead (in my case 24" from the coaming)
: I've heard that it's good to have some room behind you for bungies
: so how does 16" from the rear coaming sound to start the
: aft hatch?
: I also assume that it is good to have a consisent distance from the
: outer edge of the boat, so I just need max width (unless you
: have other ideas - very open!)

: Can someone suggest:
: 1. fore hatch length
: 2. fore hatch width (max)
: 3. aft hatch length
: 4. aft hatch width (max)

: I'd love to cut some holes tonight but I think I need to simmer
: down and wait for feedback.

: Thanks in advance!

: ~Brad

You're building the boat, make the hatches the shape and size you want. The closer to the bulkheads the bigger the hatches can be since the deck is wider there, but it really doesn't matter.

Like everyone else said, if they are big enough to fit what you want into the hatches, they are big enough :)

Bill H.