Dave Archer wrote:Beware, the hatch covers leak, and you will not be able to get in there and dry it out. I removed the polystyrene from mine as I was concerned at the possibility of rot.
I've not had ANY problems with the hatch covers leaking. I live in FL where the thunderstorms and inches of rain per hour are legendary and haven't yet gotten a drop of water in the lazarette. I believe that my success in keeping water out of this is I used butyl tape
http://www.sailrite.com/Trimmable-Butyl-Tape-3-4-Bedding-Deck-Hardware-Sealant# to seal the hatches (and port lights and for all the bedding needs). This stuff is much easier to work with than any other bedding material. simple mold it to any shape/thickness needed and install. When you tighten down the fasteners some will ooze out over the next day or so you just go back with a plastic knife and trim off the ooze out and pull it off the surface.
It also remains pliable for years so re-bedding is easy as the old stuff comes off clean. So nice compared to other methods.
Bill