> The foam block by itself as a riser might be a good idea. I can carve it
> down lower from the bottom as my son gets bigger.

> Thanks Don

I had a college roommate who had to construct a seemingly endless number of 10 x 10 x 10 inch cubes for a 3D design class in his architecture program. He did one with a styrofoam lining and `carved' out the interior with a cigarette lighter, carefully brought close enough to cause the plastic to melt.

You would be treading on dangerous ground, ( something I rarely suggest doing) but a propane torch waved a few inches over your styrene foam block could melt a butt-shaped depression in just a few seconds. A heat gun could do the same thing. Don't breathe the fumes! Don't try to rush things by bringing the heat sourse too close.

For occasional use by a kid you could probably get away with a styrene foam seat. A couple coats of latex paint might make it a bit more durable. The original plan of a wood seat would be more durable, still.

Or, hot glue the block of styrene foam to the bottom of the boat (so it won't slide around) and hot glue a piece of plywood to the top of the styrofoam block. The wood top will spread the wieght over the entire surface of the styrene foam Make the wood the same length and width as the foam block, and you could put on a couple coats of paint or varnish before you glue it on. The hot glue will keep thingd form sliding around, but can be removed with a few sharp blows if/when you want to replace the seat.

hope this helps

PaulG. Jacobson