cont'd from 9/13:

Secret Hatches:

Because of the pattern that strips set up, I think it would be fairly easy to hide a hatch cover that breaks along the join lines between adjacent strips.

Any location that strips stop abruptly is a good candidate for locating. (Examples are front or rear of any ordinary flush hatch, the front or rear of any cockpit using a recessed rim {see prev post on this}, and other locations depending on the particular kayak you're designing or building.) At your chosen location, cut out a bunch of adjacent strips and maybe stagger their lengths so when you put them back, they will either blend into your deck pattern, strip pattern, or random pattern. Build a slightly undersized (to support the lid also) box below the open slot. Angle edges of slot strips. Glue reverse angled edges to outside edges of the lid. You now have a hatch that slides in place. Kinda hard to see if you plan it right. If you design one fairly large, this might be a way of dealing w/ a day hatch. Or a little guy for your keys, cards or stash. Might get your bills damp though.

The dwg below shows how a secret hatch could go in surfyak. Because the coaming is recessed w/ about an 1" gap, there is a perfect location for a little day hatch at the front of the cockpit..... Now even though I've considered it, I really probably won't put one in as I'm already going overboard in other areas & I'll be lucky if it even floats!

next 11/13 will be in a while