I installed Bomar deck plates on my Black Pearl. While I really liked the clamping mechanism (easy open and close with no chance of jamming or sticking shut), I've had a bear of a job making the seals watertight.

Until now.

http://justyakkin2.blogspot.ca/2014/06/testing-testing-1-2-3.html

Sean

Congrats on your persistence paying off!

BTW, drilling a small (1/16 or so) hole in the middle of the bulkheads will prevent pressure buildup in your compartments. More important, it will prevent 'sucking' water past the hatch seals when the boat is immersed in cold water (causing the air in the compartment to contract, etc...)...
The amount of water leakage from the cockpit to compartment through the drilled holes is minimal.