: You'll soon see, as I just have, that it will cost you more to outfit than it
: did to build the boat. I was checking this out at a shop yesterday myself.
: I am 6'04" so length of cockpit was important. Found a good selection
: of spray skirts to fit 18 x 34. There are some available up to 36/38
: inches long. I was advised that most people have two skirts, neoprene
: being very warm in the summer but dry, good in colder conditions. Nylon
: apparently ok when you don't mind getting a little wet when it's warmer.
: Nylon are the 35/55 dlrs skirts, neoprene are abt double. I just put up
: the question of what you wear, wetsuit, whatever, and got a lot of advice
: but in the end most said that I would eventually own everything, so buy
: good stuff even if it's used and keep adding piece by piece as when you
: can. You may want to start considering other stuff too if managing a
: budget. I quickly came up with around 500 dlrs if I don't build 2 paddles
: (spare). Check with your instructor about paddle floats and pumps,
: sponsons, etc., sure you will want additional items. Seats are expensive,
: too, and foot braces, so look into making as much as you can.

Elliott,
I increased the cockpit length (1.5") on my ES for the same reasons you mention but in doing so, it changes where my legs brace under the deck. I decided to add the extension wings (thigh brace hooks) that protrude into the cockpit opening. I just finished them yesterday and hope to try my still not varnished boat on Sat.

I don't think you will have any problem finding a skirt to fit the ES, even if you increase the cockpit opening. I use a Wilderness Systems nylon skirt with a neoprene waist tunnel seal. It works good for most conditions but I would like to get one with a neo deck and still have the nylon tunnel (with neo seal). The WS skirt is actually to big for the ES but fits my Coho perfectly. I have heard that the Feathercraft skirt (nylon) is very good and reasonably priced.

Larry C.