Ahoy Gary , Gee , you are a much better “Waterman” and “Seaman” , than I will ever be .
I also did consider that availability of securing the scuttle hatch, by inserting pins in both forward and aft hinge pivot holes, thus securing that hatch from the outside , and can still use that feature if desired.
BTW , I agree that one bolt is worth the equivalent of at least 5 screws, or 20 nails !
Gosh , I don’t know just who pointed out to me, ( It may have been Roger) that if I placed a 1" diameter hole in the engine compartment set-in fire wall removable panel, behind the companion way ladder, that I could use that hole to spray into the engine compartment, a fire extinglisher, if a fire started in there. A Great Idea I thought !
While thinking of engine room fires, I also considered the “What If” senerio, If there was an out of control fire in that engine room and the heat and flames blocked my exit up through the companion way.
It was then , that I thought of the forward scuttle hatch as an emergency escape hatch, too, and then decided to make the hatch secure from the inside, instead of just the outside .
None of us find it easy to think of worst case senerios, on our boats, even me .
I can most heartedly Thank Bil of BCC Zygote, to open my eyes, to the possibility of down flooding stability on a BCC , and mark that “Point of No Return” , on the mast, inside the cabin, in plane view, for me and my crew to decide when to exit , if the water gets that high , and then climb into the life boat.
I would suspect that all your years as a advanced diver and photographer , has given you a heap of knowledge , and we are especially greatful that you share what works for you, on this forum .
Many Thanks , Douglas