Hi Kris, Pete, and everyone else that's helped me out here...
I've traded the Mariner II for a hybrid Merganser 16' that I'm building for the Mariner II owner. He's paddled the other Merganser 16' hybrid that I built for a friend and really liked it. He's looking for a smaller and lighter boat. I need another garage 
That observation about sitting "in" the Q500 and wearing the Q600 or Q700 was my experience too. And I've already got the Q400 and it's GREAT for the sitting in and watching the sunset experience. As far as thigh braces go, I have no problem bracing my thighs againt the underside of the Q700 cockpit coaming, the actual fit reminds me a bit of the integral thigh braces in the Mariner II. I also replaced the too short seat pan (long bicyclist thighs) and Rapid Pulse touring seat with a longer minicell seat and wrap-around minicell backband. The new seat is barely 1/4" off the bottom of the boat and has improved my control over the Q700 100%. The Q500 I tried had the thigh braces and I liked them. I suppose I could fabricate some nice carbon fiber thigh braces for the Q700. If I had it to do over again, I'd probably order the thigh braces.
I really appreciate everyone's input on my Q700 angst. It's renewed my interest in keeping the boat and advancing my skills.
Thanks!
Jim
