Greetings Gang, I too am installing a ladder and adjustable OB mount. I got a Garelick mount and the pad is too thick for the Honda. I will have to glue one up. I went with Bomar hatches as per Connie. I put them on both sides. There is an awesome amount of storage space available now. Things like fenders, clothing, PFDs, towels and trash bags should go there nicely. I wish I had done this before. The hatches have been through several thunderstorms without a leak. One thing cutting the hatches showed me (again) is that Jerry put a lot of fiberglass in the boat. I raise a glass in his honor. Last year I installed a tiller extension lock box and a cleat on both sides of the cockpit. I piled up some old towels and blankets to bridge the gap between the berth and styrofoam logs. At 5' 10" and 200# I got back under the seats OK by pushing off the berth with my feet. However, I had difficulty getting out as my hands were over my head and there was nothing to push against. If I had to do it again I think I would use a length of vinyl flooring so the wife could slide me back into the cabin. I've repaired a gash in the hull where the narrow edge of a lapstrake section hit the trailer at some time in the past. The gel coat shows my rookie status but few will ever see it. I'm changing bunk boards and brackets on the trailer and the boat sits an inch or two lower. I shortened my tongue extension from eight feet to about six feet to make it easier to handle. To compensate I made up a draw bar to mount in the receiver that is 36 inches long. That may be overkill but it is easier to make it shorter than longer. I had both pieces powder coated and will pick then up tomorrow. I should get the boat back in the water this weekend to mark the waterline and then mount the ladder and OB mount. I should have marked it last year. I have wanted to keep it dry until I finished the fiberglass. I hope all projects go well and you are on the water soon! steve Steve R. M-15 #119 Lexington, KY --- "Bill Riker" <wriker@mindspring.com> wrote:

I still have mixed feelings about cutting a hole in the cockpit seat for a hatch.