C'pete's
option 2. Assume you have the extra gas aboard on your way to Bimini. You'ld have it in a 5 gal lashed in the cocpit. Your 6 or 8 horse two cycle 45 pounder would be in the lazarette because that's the best place for it. That means the well hole would be well plugged when well offshore.

338 came with a fiberglassed cube of foam the size of the whole hole as a plug: rediculous! A less massive lid that takes into account the slope of the boat yet with a flat top should be made. First, it'll be easier to store when out of the hole. Second, it'll provide a place for cocpit water to go quick, rather then slosh around on the deck under the ob. Third, a one way drain valve could be put in the lid to let the water out.

Off shore A/C's must have certain upgrades, IMCO. One of them is larger cocpit drains. Especially in the Commander because of their larger volume. But ditto the Ariel. Unless you are young and prone to taking chances. An airboat in a valise could be carried in the cocpit displacing volume, along with the gas can(s). Anyway