Thx for the replies. I think I'll forge ahead and do hatches, or at least one aft.

I was originally thinking of using flotation bags for sure.

After thinking of how hard it might be to join the clamshell without hatch openings, it makes sense to have them.

What's the simplest way to install hatches? I checked out One Ocean Kayak and that approach seemed pretty involved.

Rob

: Rob-
: If you want to read some arguments for the 'no bulkheads, no
: hatches' approach, go on over to
: http://www.marinerkayaks.com/
: and read the 'Manuals' (owners, flotation, etc).

: You definitely need to put flotation in the ends of the boat, and
: it is possible to pack gear into the boat through the cockpit.
: You can make large dry bags that fit the ends of your boat, with
: inflation tubes to 'top up' with air.
: Some issues to consider would be the ease of getting at gear
: quickly, and the incessant harangues you will receive from
: instructors (and 'instructor wannabes') about your 'unsafe boat'
: (even if you have great deck lines and flotation bags, and
: they're paddling boats with loose hatch covers.....).

: That said, I've done some hatch and bulkhead retrofitting on my
: boats, and it is MUCH easier to do some of the hatch work (if
: you are making hatch recesses) before you join the hull and
: deck. So I'd recommend hatches and bulkheads now, if you are
: building a 'general purpose' kayak.
: Next topic: commercial hatch rims and covers in recesses vs
: wood-style flush covers......
: ;-)