Michael Daly wrote:

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.

Why not add one? The Ellesmere has a flat aft deck that's perfect for
installing a day hatch. Add a third bulkhead and you're good to go.
That's what I did with my Pintail, which originally came with a Chimp
pump, which was truly useless. It's easier than you might imagine.