> Need some help here. I'm to the point with the Putz Walrus 18.5 where I
> have to determine the cockpit location. Putz says to figure the center of
> the cockpit at approximately 3/5 of the distance back. Other books,
> notably Ted Moore's Canoecraft, calculate seat placement based on paddler
> weight balanced against distance from center of gravity. Should I follow
> one of these two methods or is there another way to calculate? I'm
> concerned about this after putting the thwart in a bad place in my solo
> canoe. The likely occupants of the Walrus will be my wife and myself
> (neither dainty) and our 3 1/2 year-old son. Thanks, Tom.

When in doubt follow the instructions that come with YOUR plans, not some others. If that leaves you still confused a befuddled, then cover and waterproof the hull, but not the deck. Install some temporary deck beams (you can just clamp on some scraps of 1x2 furring strips), the floorboards and a seat, or at least a foam pad, and launch the thing on a calm day. Climb aboard and see where you must sit to get the boat in trim. Shift your weight until you are happy. Use some masking tape (or duct tape) applied to the gunwales to define the location and size of your cockpit. Pull the boat from the water and insert your deckbeams where indicated.

Hope this helps.

Paul G. Jacobson