Most of the volume in a kayak is in the middle, since it is generally the widest, tallest part of the boat. "Popping up" the cockpit area will increase the overall volume substantially, eliminating much of the advantage of the low volume.

A boat which is virtually "wash-deck" like Maligiaq's is a rolling machine. It will be in it's element when rolling. It will not be as good as an open-water exploring boat. Bucking into a wind could be a real drag as you would constantly be breaking waves with your body.

By making the cockpit are higher volume, you would reduce the boat's capability as a rolling machine while not improving its capabilities going through waves.

BTW my Night Heron (low deck version) is 7" high in back, 11.25" at the front of the cockpit sloping down to 9".

: Now imagine if one were to use the exact same hull as Maligiaq, but I were to
: add a pop-up to allow a bent-leg style, and a keyhole type opening. I'd
: have the increased overall volume and resultant buoyancy, although the
: boat would sit a little farther in the water due to the added weight. That
: is essentially what I'm interested in. I'd probably want the beam or
: length increased slightly to maintain the same waterline height, but
: otherwise the hull would be identical.

: It would be tough to do the pop-up in wood-and-fabric or even
: stitch-and-glue, but strip-built techniques would lend itself fairly
: easily to the design.