My wife and I are building a 16LT for her and a 17 for myself. Thought we would build hers first.:) Getting ready to put the deck beams in and have decided to put another beam in, just aft of the aft hatch because many of you seem to think the aft deck can be a little weak during self rescues. Sounded like a good idea considering how flat it is. Which brings me to my questions. On the plans, the aft hatch is said to have a 24" radius. If one checks the radius of the aft bulkhead, it is actually about a 51" radius. Alot flatter then 24". On the plans the aft bulkhead full size drawing is also about 51" radius. I would assume that my aft deckbeam should match the bulkhead radius, correct? Then how does a 24" radius hatch make a good seal? I'm probably going to make my own flush hatches so the last question doesn't really need a response. What does concern me though is which is the right radius, 24" or 51" and how does this effect the transition at the butt joint of the fore and aft deck panels and how the coaming will roll with the punches? Thanks.