Alright, so many questions! I'm working towards the hatches of the great auk. So here's what I don't know:

1. I cut out patterns from Nick Schade's book. Am I right in assuming the dual set of measurements are for the bow and the stern cutouts? The bow being the smaller and somewhat the reverse of the stern?
2. What is the distance between the back of the cockpit, farthest point, to the most forward point of the rear hatch? Same question for the bow hatch? Say from the most front of the cockpit to the most rear of the hatch. This assuming I put in foot braces and a 3" foam bulkhead.
3. Can I buy graphite powder locally?
4. Can I do this hatch work before I put the final coat and sand the outside of the kayak, which I assume I'll do after bonding the hull w/ the deck.
5. Do you rec the placement of carbon cloth on the underside of the deck to strengthen the deck before I cut the hatches.

That's enough before I wear out my welcome! Someday I'll be the helper here!