> Does the place in Michigan you mentioned have a web site? Sounds like they
> found a way around the limitations of my approach.

Here's the link below. They have created a whole new page -- I was surprised -- until lately all that was there was a few pictures and a request for a catalogue. I haven't had time to peruse it yet.

Betsie Bay's kayaks are of the traditional Greenland-style design and have a very low aft deck, as does the Outer Island that I'm now building. Unfortunately, on of the Beckson, Viking, or Valley hatches would have to be very small, and would be rendered pretty much useless except for tent poles...

Dean