Not to be a wise acre but perhaps a different means of entry or exit may serve. I usually enter my placing one foot in the boat then sitting down (with the other still on the ground (ankle deep) then slining the first into place before bringing the second foot in. I find i dont need to put much if any weight on my feet in the boat.

I expect the chesepeake has a large enough cockpit for doing this even if you are a bit stiff.

: I just finished my Chesapeake 17, and love it. It paddles well, is responsive
: and a pretty nice boat to look at. There is one small problem. The
: "floor" in the cockpit area is varnished and very slippery when
: wet. I have old, worn out knees and have to get a good purchase with my
: feet to make a dignified exit. Found this weekend on my new boat trials
: that I had to work hard not to have my feet (wearing Tevas) shoot out from
: under me. I did a temporary fix with dorky looking Rubbermaid non-slip
: bath treads, but would like to find a more aesthetically pleasing
: permanent solution. Ideas please?