I have put a bunch of VCP hatches in and this what I have come up with: Mock up the deck behind the cockpit with cardboard, sit in the boat and reach behind you (I like my hatch on the right side) make sure that you can reach the hatch then lay out the location for the third bulkhead. This area is really what makes the hatch work I always like to go with this extra bulkhead. You don't up give storage volume just chance the shape some what. I don't add anything extra to the deck where I attach the flange for the hatch. use brass or stainless steel bolts to hold the thing to the deck. I prebend the flange close to the deck shape by heating it up and clamping it in a curve before I bolt it to the deck.

Bill

I'm building a CLC Chesapeake 17 and I have decided to install a VCP
> 7.5" day hatch behind the cockpit. I have a couple questions of those
> who have done this before.

> First let me set the stage, I have not installed the deck yet. Though I am
> ready and could do that any day I have the time.

> 1) Should I install the VCP hatch rim before I install the deck? I'm
> leaning to after I install the deck since I won't have to guess at
> placement of the hole if the deck is already installed.

> 2) Should I install an additional bulkhead to form a small compartment
> accessed by this day hatch, or should I install some sort of mesh sack
> suspended from the hatch rim instead? I see pros and cons both ways.

> Any and all other words of wisdom are welcome as well, thanks in advance.

> -Roger