I stripped up the "flat" around the coaming. It looks really cool (even before building the coaming), it slightly lowers the finished coaming lip and does provide a small gripping area for your knees while rolling. HOWEVER, if I were to do it again, I'd do without it since benefits gained aren't significant enough for me to warrent the additional time.

jim gabriel Kayak Builders of Southern California (Regardless of what you do, you'll love your boat!!!!)

> It's almost decision time. Construction of the Guillemot is going
> well and it's about time to decide whether I want to do a "flat
> deck" around the cockpit as suggested in the instructions, or
> whether I'd rather continue the main deck lines right up to the cockpit
> coaming. My instinct is to NOT do the flat deck around the cockpit
> and add internal knee braces if needed.

> I hereby solicit comments and suggestions...thanks.