Fellas -
This is great - thanks for the ideas and input, there is much to ponder and it is all helping me as I decide on where to go.
Wanted to post this one quick-like. This is where I am heading with the area under the bridgedeck. Lots of people poo-poo the Ariel hanging locker, and though I use it just fine, I understand why - it is small. Still, I see a need for a place to hang sodden, dripping foulies. Having to take them thru the cabin to hang up doesn't seem like much of a good idea. Another thing which has niggled at me has been that big area under the cockpit floor. It begs for stowage, but is not a good spot when one is trying to avoid stern squatting - anything stowed there must be lightweight. Access to the area is a little difficult, also - pulling out the steps, there is still a pretty narrow area for access. So I came up with this compromise. Removing the sink and cabinetry in the under-bridgedeck area will make access to the under-cockpit area much better, and having some hooks or a bar mounted up under the bridgedeck, next to the collapsible ladder would make for a good foulie hanging/draining spot (it's right over the bilge sump, too).
Second pic is "ladder in the up position" - I thought maybe the first pic might be confusing visually.