i kinda like the rear hatch reachable from the cockpit. the front , i prefer 8 - 10 inches infront of the bulk head. as for the foam 1/8" x whatever, you can trim it to what works. i think the size of the hatches need to be what looks good for the yak and still be functional for what you intend to put in and pull out of them.

: This newbie continues to seek help!

: 1. Can anyone give me a good size for oval hatches, front and back, length
: and width

: 2. I still am not sure where to place the front hatch; ie, distance from the
: front end of cockpit to rear point of hatch, assuming the installation of
: footbraces and an average height kayaker. I'm 5'9" but other taller
: and shorter family will use the kayak.

: 3. I think I have a handle on the oceankayak hatch lip, but I'm not sure what
: the dimension of the sacrificial foam is supposed to be. I went to Lowe's
: yesterday and could not find any 1/8" foam stripping. And does he
: mean 1/8 by 1/8?

: I'd love to work on this today if there are any takers!