Material f/ Engine Hatches

[petrel]

I'm looking for some recommendations for what to use for making new engine hatches f/ my BHM. We made the cabin a bit longer than original and the guy before me had a split house, so the current set-up leaves a lot to be desired. We just pulled the engine f/ replacement, so now seems like a good time to reconfigure the hatches f/ better access. The current plywood hatches are heavier than what I care to wrestle w/ by the time there is some sound insulation underneath. I'm thinking the hatches will be about 3 by 5.5 feet each.

 

[petrel]

Looking for some opinions here. Going to do demolition today. Foam panel? Balsa panel?

 

[plowin]

I would stay away from Balsa personally, to much risk of water intrusion. If it were me I would use divinicell and or coosa/penske board where compression could be an issue. But I do not build them, thats just what I would do. Good luck.