My typo on "Down East". I was reading "Down River" but typed "Down East". Knowing it is a Down River design cleared up what to expect for performance. I really like Jay's keel addition comments for tracking but will use "as is" for now and see what modifications are necessary.

My overriding concern is stability and will read more on Down River design characteristics. Have read of initial and secondary stability. This kayak does not seem to have either. This cedar strip kayak is very unstable when getting into it from a dock and seems like it is about to capsize when on the water. Maybe it is just me and my inexperience. Just want to make sure what I am experiencing is normal for the design of the kayak. Just want to make sure the kayak was built correctly although not finished, is calm water ready and worth spending some money on. Plan to see how easy it is to roll and post my comments here.

The overall length of the kayak is 13 feet 6 inches long by 25 inches wide. The cockpit opening is 36 inches by 19 inches and centered. Unfortunately the cockpit opening is not symmetrical. One question I have is how to make a symmetrical oval opening.

The photos show areas of concern. I think the "White Areas" of the deck are where the fiberglass is not well bonded to the wood. I think all that is needed is to sand down the fiberglass to the base coat and re-apply clear fiberglass. As for the fiberglass cloth showing in the white bottom area, which I think is Gelcoat, I think all that is needed is to sand the area smooth and repaint using a quality marine paint. I have semi-professional painting equipment so sanding the bottom smooth and re-painting is not a problem.

The last image is of the loose fiberglass strip inside the kayak between the top and lower halves. This seems to be the only area where the fiberglass is loose. Since the kayak is also fiber glassed on the outside and possibly Gelcoated, would it be necessary to grind down and replace this loose fiberglass?