: I recently launched a Pygmy Coho and want to share the hatch latch design
: modifications with other builders. Like many builders, I find the
: multi-strap, hatch hold-down system functional, but esthetically
: distracting. I have scoured this Forum’s archives on hatch designs and
: have seen bits and pieces of this design concept, but none exactly like
: it. The 1-Knob Hatch Latch uses common readily available materials, is
: easy to construct, is easy to open and close with cold slippery fingers,
: doesn’t leak, and looks great. The latch requires only one penetration
: through the hatch lid, and has only two moving parts. Admittedly, the knob
: is visible and protrudes slightly above the deck. The design concept could
: be modified to recess the knob by inverting the ABS Pipe End Cap used for
: the knob base. Then you would have a completely flush-deck profile.
: However, I find the above-deck knob acceptably unobtrusive considering the
: array of black bungee lines normally added to the deck, and the
: construction complications associated with recessing the knob. I chose to
: mold my own knob for the hatch latch, but a wide variety of knobs are
: readily available. You can see several more photos of the hatch latch and
: the material and design details at the HATCH LATCH DETAILS link.

: The picture below shows the boat’s maiden launch. Deck lines will be added
: after I finish the protective coats of varnish. You will note that I added
: a fishing rod holder on the deck ridge-line in front of the cockpit. The
: rod holder also accepts a 6-ft. fiberglass mast that can be used for a
: small spinnaker sail, or visibility flag as shown. I won’t argue the
: esthetics of a divot in the deck and a fishing rod, mast, flag, or sail.
: But heck, I like to fish so that’s an esthetic compromise I’m willing to
: make.

: I would appreciate your comments, thoughts, and questions.
Eric Shade (Nick's Brother) uses a nob system as one of the hatch options for his boats.
http://www.shearwater-boats.com It's pretty watertight from what I have heard. I chose a different method for my Shearwater Merganser just because I didn't want to be paddling a "cupboard", but that was my own bias. Your boat looks nice. Are you a Puget Sounder?