Hi all,

I inherited a 95% completed cedar strip kayak from a disappointed builder. The fellow had done a superb building job of a 16ft. Chinook kayak (design reviewed by Canoe & Kayak Magazine.) He took it out for a spin and found it too unstable for his liking – so much so he gave it away. It is complete with the exception of foot braces, a seat and hatch openings. The braces and seat are easy enough to deal with. The boat has 2 plywood bulkheads with no access ports. My question is, “Should I do something about the hatch openings?” The thread on Cleopatra’s Needle got me to thinking… I have no plans for tripping in it, just putzing around local bays etc.