I agree, and at 7,000lbs, should provide a nice ride, assuming the hull's set up right.

Nope still have not opened up the fuel hatch. She's running good, no problems. Hatch is still solid so since it ain't broke....don't think I'm gonna fix it yet.

Hatches can be less than water tight..... not saying yours is.

With the deck floor fuel tank hatch, I sealed it for the fishing season using clear silicone.
This forms a nice barrier against water intrusion, but the silicone is also easy to remove.
Then at the end of last season, I opened it up to air out through the winter since my boat is weather proofed / covered over to keep inside dry.

The bilge hatch cover I don't bother with, because I open and close it frequently.