On 29-May-2004, Brian Nystrom wrote:

I agree that day hatches are not
that useful on the water. However, I find them very useful for what
their name implies, carrying the gear you need for a day trip.

I don't have a day hatch, but used on on an Explorer on a four-night
trip once.

Since I paddle in bear country, I like the idea of using the day hatch
to carry all food and cooking equipment. This would allow me to
separate the smelly stuff from all the tents, clothes etc. Since
cooking equipment tends to be heavy (pots, stove) as does food (well,
liquids) it puts the heavy stuff close to the cockpit.

Having used the Explorer after buying my Ellesmere, I kind of wish I'd
bought mine with a day hatch.

Mike