> My solution was to cut a crescent shaped plug to fill that space. The deck
> is very sturdy - fully supported in this area now.

> My question is - am I going to have any other unanticipated problems due
> to my 'design change'? I expect that rolling will be more difficult,
> right? Anything else?

Other than rolling, nothing that I can think of. The effect on windage (weathercocking) should be minimal).

The Chesapeakes existing design does have a rather high coaming. It hits me in the middle of the back and I'm 6'-6". You could consider putting in a recessed cockpit like Nick designed for the Guillemot and Expedition Single. You could recess more in the back to lower that area and less up front if you wanted to keep more legroom. To lower the back more, just make your recess "oval" wider in that area, and keep the "oval" fairly narrow up front to keep it from dropping too low.

Shawn