Hatches designed, here's some pics of what I am about to do:
Both hatches are 3 1/2" away from the edge of the kayak, and i will use rare earth magnets to secure them (one magnet every 3"; 15 pair fore, 17 aft)
fore hatch: 15" long, 14 5/8" at it's widest, 23" in front of the coaming ring, 1" in front of the front bulkhead
aft hatch: 18" long, 14 5/8" at it's widest, 14" behind the coaming ring, 11" behind the rear bulkhead

pictures located at http://s1101.photobucket.com/albums/g426/gobradgo/Kayak%20Building/

: 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