Charles,
If you are building an SOF you want to be able to pull the flotation out to let air circulate in the ends or you will probably develop severe mold/mildew issues. Flotation bags seem the easiest and most effective way to provide the flotation and still be able to remove them to dry the qajaq out. I am half way through my 7th or 8th Geenland SOF and have found that rigging a continuous loop of 1/8" line around the furthest deckbeam in the bow and a second one in the stern that lead to the cockpit works well. Tie it to the bag and haul it into the end. To remove, unscrew the valve to let a bit of air out and pull it out with the inflation tube. Some glue a pocket in the skinny end of the bag, insert a paddle or a stick and shove the bag into the ends that way. Good luck.

: When I finish building my 18+ foot Greenland kayak (appropriate for my size),
: I'll want to put flotation at both ends. Since the only access point into
: the boat is the cockpit, and its a long reach to the bow and stern, I'm
: looking for an alternative to commercial float bags that will be annoying
: to put in and take out.

: I'd like something a bit more permanent that I can push in and leave, without
: worrying about deflation... closed cell foam comes to mind, but I don't
: know if that will work, and it can be expensive.

: And bulkheads just don't seem appropriate or workable.

: Anyone have any ideas? Thanks!

: cjk