You can make the plates a continuation of the coaming. Since the coaming curves the plates would also curve. A flat spot in the coaming shape may cause problems with your spray skirt staying on.

> I'm building my first woodstrip guillemot and I am a little confused when
> I look at page 123 of Nicks book. Do the plates flare out toward the
> bottom for a reason or can a person widen the cockpit 1/2" and just
> use longer combing strips to serve dual purpose as cheek plates as well? I
> suppose setting up a model of the cockpit would be helpfull in customizing
> it to my body. Any advise?