[Billybob]

Thanks for all the suggestions.I've thought of putting the batts in the console, but I hate to use up my limited space because I have the small console (RS, I have a 73 - Bill Sirotnak's in the photo section).Plus, I have a shoot thru transducer down there, the pumps and float switches, and I plan on putting a seacock down there.I would plan on gasketing the hatch as best I could and figure very little water would get down there (perhaps easier said than done).It's a small hatch as it is so putting in a Bomar type wouldn't allow me to pull the batts anyway - but it would give me access to the rest of the stuff.Think I'll try hinging it and see how good the seal works.