I forgot to ask about one other thing: Have any skerry builders experimented with installing a kayak-style hatch (perhaps with the invisible hatch cover system) on the tops of their watertight compartments?

I like this option as it would not interfere with the aesthetics of the boat, but it seems like it might be less strong and perhaps not as watertight, eliminating the floatation functionality.

Again, any thoughts? Thanks! 

I considered installing the deckplates in the seat tops, but in the end I installed them as per the plans. This is because A) I thought it would be uncomfortable on the bum, B) It might get scratched more easily C) It might make a weak spot in the seat so that when someone heavy like myself (200+ lbs) sat on it the seat top may crack.

I'm not familiar with kayak-style hatches, but I have seen some people make wooden deckplates for other boats.

Perhaps a workaround you may consider is installing plastic deckplates, and then epoxy gluing a thin wooden face on top of the cap. Another solution may be to simply bring along a cooler, or even fashion a watertight box that velcro sticks to the underside of the middle seat. With a little creativity the possibilities are endless!

I plan on taking Sjøhest (the name of my Skerry) on a multi-day expedition late July. I can comment more in August.

Good luck, and please post pictures of what you decide on. We'd all love to see!

Thanks!

Jean.

Build Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/pbjsndwch/BuildingTheSkerry#

Sailing Album (on going): http://picasaweb.google.com/pbjsndwch/SkerrySailingPuttingSjHestThroughHerPaces#