Is it worth it?

I have a Pearson sunfish with a number of small cracks in it. I am planning on installing one 5" inspection port and another 7" by 11" inspection hatch for storage and cruising trips.

With the condition that my boat is in, and with me going off to college in a year anyways, I have a feeling that it's not worth my money to make these customizations to my boat.

What do you think?

The cracking is cosmetic in the gelcoat. As for the Hatch you'll be hard pressed to find that much open area inside the hull without removing a considerable amount of the structural foam blocks.

Okay thanks. Is it possible to move the foam rather than to remove it? Also, are there any structural supports or anything of that sort that I would need to watch out for when I decide where to place it?

Just a stupid thought...... How about a floating water tight tow behind if ya trying to bring things along? Suppose the rudder is a big factor.

The hatch idea seems like a good way to possibly ruin an otherwize water tight hull.

Just my humble opinion.

If it's strictly for cruising/day sailing then strapping "cargo" to the front deck with bungies works well as long as you use the daysailing rig height.

If you ever want to sell it, your resale value will be destroyed if there is a huge hatch cut into the deck.

Towing something doesn't work - I know from experience. You get huge weather helm and you can't point. Strapping stuff to the deck is the way to go. Lots of garbage bags will keep things dry.

BB