I agree broadly with both of the above.

I like to have my foredeck clear for photography, so I leave room between the cockpit and the rear hatch for bungie tie-downs so gear can go behind me....18 inches perhaps.

I am not really a fan of rear day hatches, but I would consider a small one up front in certain styles of boats.

I also keep the fore hatch as close as possible to the bulkhead, and I also like a screw hatch in the front bulkhead to enable easy access to footrests etc. I usually leave a bit of extra room in front of my feet, two to three inches, and pad out with minicell foam, in case I ever want to sell the boat to a Dutchman.

Et