By the way, you do not need to install an inspection port to put the Harken on. All the screws should go thru the deck in the lip area of the cockpit that overhangs the cockpit. None should go into the hull.
You can install both the strap and the Harken without an inspection port. Insert the screws for the Harken thru the deck, and put on the fender washers as mentioned above. But before putting on the nuts, put on an eyestrap with the eye pointing down into the cockpit. Then put on the nuts. Tie one end of the hiking strap to the eyestrap, and tie the aft end to a pair of eyestraps bolted to the lip of the storage compartment.
Chris
In the off road world, I've see cutting boards used as skid plates under Jeeps (in areas that don't generate excessive heat)I have posted in the past about using polyethylene cutting boards for backing plates for hardware but will do it again with following reasons.
1- It is stable a material will not rust or rot.
2- comes in thicknesses from 1/8 to 1 inch.
3- can be shaped and worked with woodworking tools, power or hand
4- can be set in caulking for strong permanent mount i.e hiking strap
5- larger areas and irregular shapes can be achieved with out losing strength for multiple hardware mounts and spreading out loads.
6- very strong in all directions with no grain
7- can be used topside or as backing
8- inexpensive when bought at yard sales and thrift shops dollar stores, or as close as your kitchen but remember to replace it with a nice new one or you might here Honey have you seen the cutting board. Shh I won't tell.
Minas Man
I'm using teeny-tiny washers, but I don't think the problem is having the Harken pull out. The problem my used Sunfish had (when I bought it) was the boat had been dropped on the Harken—upside-down—and the gelcoat got spider-cracked from that.