: I'm building what will be my first kayak (Redfish - Spring Run) and I am a
: rookie at both building cedar strip boats and kayaking. I've only paddled
: some large cockpit recreational plastic boats. I'm a little concerned
: about cockpit lenght and need some advice. The Spring Run has a 17x31
: cockpit and the kit includes a pre-build coaming wall and strips to make
: the lip. I'm at a point in the build where it's time to cut out the
: cockpit recess to receive the coaming wall.

: I want to be able to sit down in the cockpit with legs out and be able to put
: my feet and legs in and pull the out while seated. I've tried sitting on
: the floor with the coaming wall and mimick getting in and out and can't
: get a good feel for whether or not the length is enough.

: I've sat in a couple of boats in outfitters shops with various size cockpits
: and have the 31 in length and could get in / out but felt it was a bit
: tight.

: So at this point in the build, I need to make a decision. 31 or 33?? If I
: decide 33, I will need to build a larger diameter coaming wall from strips
: and cut longer strips for the lip which is just more time but who is
: counting.

: I would really appreciate you veterans to give me some advice here as I can't
: make up my mind what to do. Will a 31" cockpit lenght allow for a
: 5"11" 160lb old guy to get in / out comfortably or should I
: build it 33? Thanks much.

: Bob Beaullieu

I prefer the keyhole cockpit to allow cowboy (scramble) re-entries and commando landings. I am 6-2. I make my cockpits 33 inches long with 5 inches clear behind my back. It helps to have the back clearance unless you have a really low rear deck, it makes laying back for rolling much easier and comfortable. It is important to get your seat in the right location in reference to the center of buoyancy and then locate your coaming in relation to your back. Your weight location is critical to the trim of your kayak to avoid weathercocking (or leecocking) when paddling without any cargo. I expect that Joe has the seat and standard cockpit located correctly. However not all designers do. I moved my seat and coaming aft 3 inches on a popular S&G design to make the kayak wind neutral in a crosswind without a skeg or rudder.