>I am big on comfort and will do what it takes to be
> comforatble. I'm hungry for your wisdom and would rather take advantage of
> it now before it's too late. Wouldn't it be great if I took all your
> "I wish I hads" and built the perfect boat for me the first
> time? Lofty goal but a worthy one wouldn't you say? Anyway, modifications
> you wish you had incorporated is what I'm after here.

> Cheers, Dan

As for comfort, go for full cockpit outfitting. Minicell thigh/knee braces, hip pads, seat, and some goot footbraces. I'd go with George's advice about the larger cockpit. I have the Chesapeake 17, and fit fine in the cockpit width-wise, but I'm only 185 lbs with a 33" waist. I wouldn't mind a longer cockpit--I'm 6'6" and my backrest is pretty far back; I can just barely bring my knees up when I'm sitting in the cockpit. I'd also recess the cockpit, which would be easier if the deck was stripped. The back of the stock cockpit is pretty high, and a bit uncomfortable for rolling. I love the design of the hull, though. For your expedition outfitting, you can't go wrong with full decklines, bungies, and large hatches fore and aft.

Shawn