I'm building what will be my first kayak (Redfish - Spring Run) and I am a rookie at both building cedar strip boats and kayaking. I've only paddled some large cockpit recreational plastic boats. I'm a little concerned about cockpit lenght and need some advice. The Spring Run has a 17x31 cockpit and the kit includes a pre-build coaming wall and strips to make the lip. I'm at a point in the build where it's time to cut out the cockpit recess to receive the coaming wall.

I want to be able to sit down in the cockpit with legs out and be able to put my feet and legs in and pull the out while seated. I've tried sitting on the floor with the coaming wall and mimick getting in and out and can't get a good feel for whether or not the length is enough.

I've sat in a couple of boats in outfitters shops with various size cockpits and have the 31 in length and could get in / out but felt it was a bit tight.

So at this point in the build, I need to make a decision. 31 or 33?? If I decide 33, I will need to build a larger diameter coaming wall from strips and cut longer strips for the lip which is just more time but who is counting.

I would really appreciate you veterans to give me some advice here as I can't make up my mind what to do. Will a 31" cockpit lenght allow for a 5"11" 160lb old guy to get in / out comfortably or should I build it 33? Thanks much.

Bob Beaullieu