Posted by Randonneur on URL: http://uk-hbbr-forum.61.s1.nabble.com/Re-But-does-the-board-fit-tp4028704.html
Well you've done the right thing.
Tapered washboards are not recommended as they represent a safety hazard! (says he who went down the tapered route).
All hatch openings, that I've ever had the pleasure to step through, rely on having the rear end of the hatch able to lift up and over the top end of the washboard.
Trying to put a washboard in behind the closed hatch just seems counter intuitive and a load of hassle.
If it were me, I'd make the hatch cover able to tilt upwards by a few mm to clear the washboard top.
For that size opening I'd also be considering two, maybe three washboards, the lower one solid, middle with a window and the top with a vent.
An alternative upper one containing a flyscreen is especially useful on the river to keep out the biting monsters at night ( I assume one is normally left out in all but the coldest of weather).
Alternatively go for the narrow boat style and have a pair of vertically hinged, louvered doors and some hanging bead blinds :-)