While we are talking about use of space, has anyone ever made some usagle space under the two little "Steps" next to the forward berth? I know they are small, but wondered if you were to hinge the teak covers if you could store shoes or something (small tools, anything) in the resulting compartments?
By the way, may not look the most attractive, but if you do want to access the space in the rear, you can always purchase one of those deck hatches (such as powerboats use) they are pre-mounted to the flange, have gaskets for the hatch and the frame flange, and a nice resessed quarter turn latch to secure it. They come pretty large also, so you can allow a nice size opening. (at least they are white)