Sceptre anchor locker bulkhead Q's. And opinion on foredeck hatch.

[erebus]

So on my new to me 79 23' Sceptre the anchor locker bulkhead was so terminally delaminated I didn't even need to cut it out I just pulled it out with my bare hands.
Was still able to make a pattern from it tho.

But in looking at where it was, if I modify my pattern a bit I can put a nice big deck hatch on the foredeck. Making it a lot easier for the missus to get to the anchor.

How structurally important is that bulkhead? I don't think mine has been supporting anything for a very, very long time.

With a hatch on the foredeck and some reinforcing on the inside would that be sufficient to take the place of that bulkhead?
Then I can just make a half size one to contain the anchor line etc.

We had this one lying around the shop.
Wife says it looks weird. Opinions?
Thinking a square one would probably go better with the angular lines of the boat.

[CoreyTrx]

Putting in a hatch will make setting the anchor a lot easier. My anchor locker bulkhead doesn’t really support anything. I think you’ll be fine