You could try front deck cutaways for a closer, more efficient stroke. I plan to use them on the modified Great Auk I am building. If you take a look at the Nelo Waterman you will see two facets, one each side, where the paddler would place the paddle as he is starting a paddle stroke (the "catch").

http://www.mar-kayaks.pt/en/kayaks/details/waterman/

Epic Kayaks also feature them, but the website photos do not illustrate them very well.

I have two sets of ovals, the taller one has a long axis of 32" and a short axis of 5". After joining the hull and deck together, I plan to cut the upper half out of paper and tape it to the deck with the long axis along the sheer. The shorter oval has a long axis of 32" and a short axis of 4.375". I plan to cut the lower half out and tape it to the hull with the long axis along the sheer. Mark the shape on the hull, get out the saber saw, saw out the shape and strip it just like a cockpit recess.

This would lower the effective deck height, and decrease the effective beam without changing the forms. It does require the kahonas to saw into your almost completed boat. I have not performed this "deckectomy" yet, and welcome criticism.