Hi Doug, NO, No, no. The rectangular hatch was mounted on the top surface of the Port cockpit seat, aft of the existing sail locker hatch. (My Port sail locker goes all the way to the bottom of the boat, and is the area where I store my anchor + rode / fenders / mooring lines / fender board / fuel container for the Honda / tiller extensions / flag and flag pole / mast top pennant / etc.) What I have is the original sail locker opening, plus the new one aft of the original one. This is the additional hatch opening that gives me access to the aft end of the sail locker (the black hole of Calcutta): and now makes it a wonderful addition to the storage area. Total access from the companionway area all the way to the stern. If you put the rectangular hatch on the vertical surface of the cockpit you still gain access, but it is very awkward to try and get in there to get your bucket / sponge / rags / cleaning materials and fenders. Put the opening on the top surface, and then lift the hatch and go in vertically! Connie