I have noticed that the hatch locations for my kayak are very close to the bulkheads. Since the hatches are close to one end it seems like it would be very difficult to get stuff into / out of the pointy ends of the holds. I am guessing that the reason for this is that you can make the openings bigger nearer the bulkheads and so you can get bigger stuff in. I haven't put the deck on yet and I am thinking of moving them. What I was wondering is: 1. If you move the hatches nearer to the ends/centers of the holds, what criteria do you use for resizing them? (ie. How much deck do you need to have on the sides of the hatch opening?) 2. Is it a good idea to move the hatches closer to the centers of the holds or is it not necessary. (I have given up on trying to design a retractable skeg for now and may install a CLC through-the-deck type later).

Thanks for everyone's help so far.

Jimmy