Is there any reason hatches should overlap?

[TBarCYa]

Currently, there are 3 hatches in my floor. The center covers the engine and there's one on each side of it over the exhaust manifolds and storage tanks, etc. In order to get the outer hatches up (they lift out, no hinges) I have to remove the center hatch first. I'm wondering if there's a good reason to keep it this way when I rebuild the floor or can I make it so that each hatch is independent?

Thanks.

 

[jbcurt00]

I suspect having 1 hatch lip over another is probably to direct water away from whatever's under the seam, and/or allows 100% access if you remove all 3 panels, NO underlying supports.