> Great responses from all.

> Some of the main advantages of a sit on top are it's lower volume above
> the water line and therebye less windage, more ease of entry, and less
> cockpit volume (and water weight). This automatically means a low profile.
> For the sake of argument lets say about 7 - 8 inches at the cockpit vs the
> typical 12+ at the front and 9 + - at the back. ( I've never measured or
> sat in one so only guesses)

> Now only if one assumes this, does a typical kayak w/ cutouts become too
> volumetric. And this low profile is where the buckling prob occurs. Easily
> mitigated by some extra layer of glass on the sheer (the vertical sides)
> to say 2 feet or so past the cockpit. Deck torsion would also be lessened
> by some extra layers of glass under the deck to the cockpit opening
> extending the same 2 feet or so.(I would just make them one pc).

> I would think the U shaped cockpit is pretty desireable to keep onboard
> water wt down. And I guess it's probably not a big deal to put strips down
> to the deck when framing this area.(in relation to my recessed cockpit, it
> would be easy) ------------------------------------

The sit on top I used had a self bailing hole just aft of the foot braces that made the onboard water problem managable. Not sure you would need this if you had a good hull design... seems like too much drag to me. Probably a better way to manage it like draining it over the sides?

It seems like S&G is the way to go on this. ANyone want to design a boat for me to build?

These things are fun to paddle. I just need one that tracks well too.

Mike Mike

> On glassing the i/s of the downturn strips, I would overlap the flange w/
> the i/s glass, taking up the space of the duct tape to get a more exact
> fit and better sealing. And probably its a close winner to use outside
> seaming only. Easier to repair down the road.

> The inner seat foam should be covered in say 1/8 in neoprene and glued in
> place or held in place by some wd. angle. Therefore removeable for the
> beach.

> -mick