adding a berth

[paulk]

If the space available up forward is so claustrophobic as to require a hatch, you should stick with the boom tent. For airflow, a simple round vent (solar powered or not) should do. It's not like you're hermetically sealing off the entire underdeck space from the outdoors - you couldn't fit in under there - there's plenty of air exchange going on already. A large hole in the foredeck is likely to create problems with the hull wracking. This can lead to big cracks in the corners of the hole you cut, leading to the gunwales, where they may help the deck become disassociated with the hull. Though this might provide you the opportunity to move up to a bigger boat, it is probably not the way you want to make that move.

[freddyray]

I am talking about something 10" x 10" if that makes a difference.

[freddyray]

one more question to ponder. I understand the concern about the rigidity of the deck being compromised by a hatch, but given that I am only talking about a small hatch. I have not measured it, but it's only just big enough for me to go out of it, and the fact that by adding a floor I am adding rigidity I am suprised at the objections. I also understand that a small cabin boat might be the ultimate solution, but that is not in the plans this year.

[RanAweigh]

Quite a number of people have, in good faith, attempted to provide you with sound advice. It is now your choice to heed that advice or not.

[freddyray]

good advice, but based perhaps on mis information. everyone says cutting a big hole. I am not cutting a big hole so the advice given to me would seem faulty based on that.

[RanAweigh]

Okey Dokey

[MorganPaul]

Just do it and see what happens. This is not a life or death decision.