@ lemsteraak:
Yes, I keep staring at the space forward of the "tanks" and wondering what to do with it. Some kind of shelves, eventually. I'd think that glassing/plywooding it in is overkill, but it's your boat...
As for space forward of the thwart, absolutely! The thwart on these older DS1's lines up exactly with the front of the tank, you have about a foot till your bulkhead. My favorite place to sit on the DS is up against the sidewall on the high side, right at the thwart with one leg on either side, facing amidships. Very comfy, can see everything, and the perfect spot for single-handing.
Of course, when I'm not alone, my "usual" crew likes to sit there too, but he'll often do it from the low side and stretch his legs over the thwart. He's a skinny little fellow, I've got a hundred pounds on him, but it still screws the boat's trim.... Occasionally, I'll dip the lee rail under and put some water down his back, just to discourage him, but he keep going back for more! In his defense, he's a good friend and an excellent helmsman
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
But I digress. Yes, leave some space for'ard of the thwart, it's also a good place to stand and fiddle with the base of the mast, untangle the jib sheets, put "stuff" that doesn't go into the cuddy, etc. With your setup, you may want to put some line bags on the back of the bulkhead for loose tails, keep them out of the cockpit. I still don't understand how you are going to fit thru that hatch, though. Maybe you should borrow my crew....
BY the way, your project continues looking first class. Here's to NEXT YEAR at the Nationals!
Fair winds!
Tom