I think 2000 miles is a valid excuse for delays....
The forward access is an issue. Don't think a hatch is in the plan for this one as I want to keep things as clean as I can and there will likely be a space issue as you mention.
My initial thought is to shorten up the bow rail so it ends say 10 inches forward of the windshield base and clear off all other stuff along the gunwhales except for maybe a pop up spring cleat and just go up the sides with a low profile hand rail on the hard top. Gunwhales are skinny but I think I would rather go that way than try to put a step and pad on the companion side of the helm and try to maneuver over the cowling. I would think that EZ2CY curtains or similar are going to be added at some point forward which is another obstacle that says go around.
My first boat was a 24 Topaz that had a tower and three sided enclosure and going up the side worked best although it had maybe a couple more inches of width to step on and a lot of stuff to grab on to along the way.
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