Anchor Storage Hatch Modification

[fishstu]

My 2001 SC 20MA has a large anchor storage locker below the deck with a sizable deck flush cover to get the anchor in and out. Storage and accessibility is very good, but when anchoring the open hatch bangs around and takes up most of the front deck.

I am thinking of cutting a short 1" wide slot thru the front edge of the hatch so the hatch can be closed when anchoring with out pinching the rope.

Looking for any comments and other ideas.

Thanks