I also replaced the RapidPulse seat. It's a nice seat and OK for casual touring, but better suited I think to QCC numbers 500 and lower.
I personally don't like integrated backbands & seatpads as most give "soft" support and don't maximize control or rotation. To get better control and speed in the 600/700 a backband setup helps.
I now sit on the stock seat pan (a littel longer might be nice, but good otherwise) and have an IR Reggie 2.0 ratchet backand. Quite a different feel. More solid - better low support - better feedback.
Hope your minicell outfitting has done the same for you. Little differnces here really seem to change the feel on the water.
Yes, the QCC coaming without thigh pads offers pretty decent support, and I've paddled a 600 without, but that seemingly little differnce added by the thigh pads is quite a bit in use. To the point that I think the more keyhole cockpit should be standard on the narrow hulls - and not having them should be the option.
If you can fabricate something custom that's close to the original braces I'd say it's worth trying. There is a picture on the QCC site - but burried a bit - if you haven't seen it. The little bit they add is good. More could start to restrict entry.
I'd say the difference is greater on the 600/700 than a 500 with their lower decks and narrower interiors. Really lets you lock in. I know people who don't have them because they were not told about the option and are not happy about it now (still love their kayaks though). Another reason one is for sale with a new 700 going to replace it.
: 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
