: 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

Hi Jimmy

Erez, Julie and Mike all have excellent advice.

I will add these points

1) Ensure that your front hatch is large eniough to place a filled dsry bag through.

2) If you add a skeg, you can pack your tent on one side, the pole/pegs behind and a seeping pad on the other side.

3) Tie a cord to small items that are placed in the ends to retrieve them later.

Greg