It takes a little knack getting in and out but once inside, I straddle the transmission sitting over the stuffing box, on a boat cushion. Gives me easy access to the rear of the engine, several seacocks, the steering turning blocks and quadrant ,both the rudder and shaft stuffing boxes. I've pulled the transmission off the engine and hoisted it out through there. The labor is in getting in and out. So you make sure you have everything you need on the cockpit sole, before you go through the manhole.

Your hatch set up would be better (I've been aboard an Orion), but not as easy to do with wood. I didn't even consider not putting this back in place. And now that my locker lids are larger (than the original), I plan to add some access through there, as well.