Most of the time it is better to carry gear as low as possible for better C of G. A strip built knee tube like the one talked about above might be a better alternative.

I usually don't leave much wood extending into the recess area since in gets cut off any way, but you could make a box out of that part. would make a great lunch box.

: I don't know if it will work or not. I am thinking of installing the recessed
: deck of Nick's design. The cut off deck can be made into a box by glassing
: wood to the bottom and side. If I cut an openning to the bottom of the
: box, I can make it into a strap-on-top / detachable carrying case of some
: sort. The box can be held in the same place where it was cut out by
: fastack buckle.
: Do anyone think that this may be workable.