Thank you Joe that is very helpful information. Any pictures you have time to post will be greatly appreciated. You can also email me at paulcroninstudios@gmail.com if that is easier.

:: For the coastal waters, I can imagine some scenarios
:: where water would intrude into the main companionway in
:: a capsize, wave breaking over the transom, or even
:: complete rollover. Thus, the requirements for a secured
:: hatch. I am also reminded, that a secured hatch keeps
:: things from leaving the cabin.
::
:: For the SF bay, I can imagine a boat on its ear, chute
:: in the water near a rounding, someone hits you and spins
:: the cockpit into the chop or the collision helps roll
:: the vessel past 90 degrees.
::
:: For SHTP, I also used a rubber/poly shock cord that
:: allowed me to keep the hatch tensioned down while
:: secured to the sliding hatch.
::
:: I prefer thick polycarbonate so I can also see what's
:: going on while I am downstairs. For the ocean, I also
:: take a second wooden hatch with me that doubles as a
:: portable nav/chart table.
::
:: Some like a 2 piece hatch that comes up to the height of
:: the seats. If you take a breaking wave on the transom,
:: this will help reduce the amount water that gets flushed
:: in the cabin. I will take some pics and post.
::
:: :: It was before my time, but I heard the Racoon Straights
:: :: sinking was due to water going in the open front
:: :: hatch...
:: ::
:: :: Maybe someone is knows for sure can chime in...