Tool for center hatch cover removal

In the process of tightening bolts and nuts around the yak to cut down the leaks, I found that I couldn't open the small center hatch - I don't think I've had it off all year.  I tried pounding on a small piece of wood inserted into one of the  finger holes, but it only moved a little.
     I made a wrench out of two 1/2" dia pvc "t's" conected by about a 3" piece of pipe, and stuck a 6" piece of pipe into the end of one of the T's and put the downward leg of the t's into the finger holes and was able to twist off the lid.   I glued the T's to the 3" (or so) piece of pipe, but not to the "handle" pipe, because once you get the fingerholes around a little, you can't use the handle because it hits the side of the cockpit.  I'm going to keep the tool in my seat back pack because it's light and I've got a first aid kit in the small hatch, and might need mechanical help if I cut my finger.   From now on, I'm going to remove the cover nearly every trip to keep it from gunking up with fish glue and fine sand.

I usually store my kayak with the hatch cover off tom.