Access the fwd hatch?

I just purchased the Trident 13, getting her ready to fish. Having never been on a yack before, should I keep the space in front of my feet mostly clear? I cant imagine being able to access the front hatch on the water?

Why would you need too?  You have the rod pod hatch sooo much closer 

I would get that boat in the water first. You should go out for a paddle before you start drilling holes so you know where you want things. It may look good in the garage but may not work out OTW. For the front hatch try putting your feet over the sides and scooting up to the front straddling the boat.

Do yourself a favor, go to dollar tree and get one of those drawer liners (look like foam lattice) and set it inside the hull below the rod pod. This will help to keep things from sliding around and can be easily removed to clean and dry as needed

Do yourself a favor, go to dollar tree and get one of those drawer liners (look like foam lattice) and set it inside the hull below the rod pod. This will help to keep things from sliding around and can be easily removed to clean and dry as needed

+1 Been doing it in my kayaks for years.

I keep things in the forward hatch on occasion, like an extra jacket or my lunch box. With my rod holders, FF and other stuff in between me and the hatch, I find it easier to access that stuff on shore. Basically, keep things that you wouldn't urgently need in that hatch. I do the drawer liner thing also, works incredibly good.

Jeff

Never thought about that. Nice.

I usually have a large dry bag with my jacket/keys/wallet etc in the front hatch.  If you trap air in the bag before rolling it up you get added flotation.

I access the front hatch of my P15 while on the water all the time. Just hang your legs over the side of the yak and scoot forward.

The front hatch for me has always been my kayak cart or cold weather storage, basically stuff I never need or rarely need on the water.

Do yourself a favor, go to dollar tree and get one of those drawer liners (look like foam lattice) and set it inside the hull below the rod pod. This will help to keep things from sliding around and can be easily removed to clean and dry as needed

Oh man, that's a great solution.  My buddy recommended velcro, but that's a way better idea!