250 hours has brought me to a finish on stripping hull/deck. The Night Heron calls for a 16 x 33 opening for cockpit. I'm in Kansas...kayak will be on ponds and calm lakes. Have seen a lot of specs that show many other kayaks with 19" width opening for cockpit. Figure there is a reason why this particular ( Night Heron from clc) is only 16"...but..hoping it is is because people tend to take it out onto the ocean??!? Cut out a hole ON CARDBOARD for 16 x 33...uh...this ol coot found that 16" width a tight squeeze. DOES ANYONE KNOW A REASON WHY I CAN'T GO TO 17 OR 18" ON WIDTH?? Once I start cutting...well....hate to find that this design doesn't like a bigger opening. while we are at it...anyone have a good suggestion for purchasing a Nice Seat in the 50-75 dollar range?