Thanks for the input. I only wonder if most of these people who did not like it were only seeing the "downside". And they had no interest or desire for the benefits that one can get from a smaller cockpit. I admit a bigger cockpit is easier to get into, so if that was the ONLY consideration who wouldn't want a big one? For me the trade off has benefits I want and I dont see any down side to me for a little extra effort to get in (in fact for me the extra effort is not an issue). I am not in any way meaning to say anything against those who prefer the larger cockpit or say a smaller cockpit is "best". I just feel it is more what I want and just wanted to consult with other builders/paddlers to make sure it would work practically for me.

And like you say I can always make it larger if I have to (Just spent today making the form smaller:-).

Thanks I need this input, Joe