: That kind of hatch reinforcement is actually a
: fine idea,,it just needs to be bonded properly with the under side of the
: deck well sanded and a bit of a fillet off the ends, but it would be more
: secure to simply put in two 4mm x 1" strips one on top of the other
: providing a sheer to sheer support just like the deck beam off the aft
: edge of the coaming(I assume that's there).

Thanks for the advice. If I understand correctly, the 4mm strips will be "bent" and glued to the underside of the arched deck. Fillet along the fore and aft edges from sheer to sheer. I assume these strips should be installed both fore and aft of the opening. Correct?
When I took this project on, I should have thought more about the cost of the materials...I think I may end up spending $300 to restore this boat. Much more than I expected. (And harder to find supplies than I expected.)
Thanks again. (Now I need to find a big piece of cardboard.)

(And Lee, after finding some photos on the web, I think you hit the nail on the head, it must be a Cape Charles 18.)