> Hi. I've been checking in here for a while now, and picking up
> plenty of good advice. Now I have a few questions of my own. I'm building
> a Pygmy Coho, and I'm wondering if anybody has any tips for installing
> the bulkheads/hatches and rudder. I'm getting a bit ahead of myself
> because I'm only wiring the hull together now, but it doesn't hurt
> to plan ahead.

> The instructions assume you'll be installing these into a finished
> boat, but I'm wondering if it'll be easier to do it earlier. I'm thinking
> that once I've glassed the deck and glued it on from the outside,
> if I were to cut the holes for the hatches, gluing the inside of the
> deck seam would be a whole lot easier since I could then get at it
> through the hatches, instead of just the cockpit.

> I also think running the rudder cables would be easier with the
> deck off, but they have to pass through the bulkheads. Would there
> be any problems with installing the bulkheads into the hull before
> I put the deck on, or do I have to do it afterwards to ensure a good
> fit?

> How about the logistics of varnishing the finished boat? You're
> supposed to wait a few weeks to let the epoxy fully cure before varnishing,
> so do I go ahead and install the hatch straps, rudder and deck rigging
> before I varnish? How do I avoid making a mess of all this when I
> do varnish? Can I just install it temporarily (don't put epoxy on
> the screws) so I can use the boat and then remove it all when it's
> time to varnish, or is that asking for trouble (water seeping into
> the wood)?

> Please help out a clueless newbie. Has anyone written "Kayak
> Building for Dummies" yet? Maybe I'm the man for the job. :-)
> Any advice / recommendations / war stories are greatly appreciated.
> I'm hoping to have this one and my wife's Osprey Std (ordered last
> week) done in time for a week-long trip in early August.

> Thanks,

> Richard

Have you really thought about not installing any bulkheads and hatches? I did not to install them on my Pygmy Queen Charlotte to avoid leaking hatches, extra weight and extra work, and plus my storage space is more versatile without them. The whole thing is a lot simpler and the decks look nice and clean. All you need to do is make sure you have some flotation in the bow and stern. The only positive thing I can see in bulkheads is less water in the boat in a wet exit.

The same goes for the rudder. My Queen Chartlotte does not need one, and I bet your Coho will not either. I would not suggest installing it until you have tried the boat out a few times to see how it handles. Learn to paddle without one. Again, simplicity; that is what kayaking is all about.

As far as varnishing, wait until it is varnished before putting any outfitting on the boat. I did and I am glad.