I find these discussions very interesting. Our salt water temps never break 13 degrees Celsius even at the height of summer. So, you can paddle in the heat of the summer sun (temps in mid 20s Cesius) but the water against he hull keeps everything below deck nice and cool - regardless of the type of sprayskirt. One advantage of cold water, though, is the clarity.

One day I'd like to paddle in salt water that does not require a drysuit or other thermal protection. I'm thinking that it must be quite the feeling of freedom.

I live vicariously through these posts.

BTW, the cockpit on your Great Auk has the same dimensions of my Point Bennett and I'm using the Seals 1.4 Shocker. It's a bit tight eventhough my skirt is a few years old and well stretched.

Cheers from the edge of the cold North Atlantic,
Sean

: Rolling on purpose or on accident:)?......... I went to the lake to
: try my new Yost Sea Cruiser last night only to find out that I'm
: much too heavy and apparently not very well balanced. I could
: complete a half roll like you wouldn't believe...... I'm hoping
: most of the problem is excess weight and not just a lack of
: talent, because I can fix the weight problem over time. I knew I
: was pushing it when I chose this kayak, but I thought I could
: lose some weight faster. I guess I was wrong. I'll have to
: butter up to my son and wife to borrow their boats until I can
: shed enough lb's for mine to work, or to build another more
: suitable boat quickly. What a bummer.....

: Thanks for the skirt advice though. I'm going to send in the
: dimensions for my son's boat to get his skirt on order.