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Home-built Sit-On-Top For Scuba Diving
By:Mark Theobald
Date: 6/1/1999, 4:34 pm

A dive buddy took the plans for a roll-type kayak and modified them to create a sit-on-top kayak that he uses for diving from. His design modifications left plenty of air chambers fore and aft to keep the craft afloat when flooded and also added some structural strength to the sides of the cockpit where if was needed as the upper deck was removed for the sit-on-top feature. Scuppers were ported out to the sides and some deck area and splash guard remains over the foot rest area. The design also incorporates in-hatch storage up front and a tank well in the rear (similar to the new Scupper Pro TW). At 16 feet and only about 50 ponds, in addition to the very glossy varnished surface, his kayak is quite enviable for speed on the high seas. He doesn't play bumper boats or surf up onto the beach with the rest of us though! You may find some more useful information regarding the necessities of a superb dive platform by checking out my site at www.kayakdiving.com.