No, I didn't do the recess on the Panache (on my first boat I was intent on following the directions as closely as possible).

However, I'm sure it can be done. Defining the correct shape of the recess might be trial-and-error, though. When viewing the boat from the side, you want the edge of the recess to form a nice smooth line from front to back. On the Guillemot, this curve drops down slightly from the aft deck and then slowly climbs to the fore deck. At the side of the cockpit, there's about 1" clearance between the vertical coaming and the edge of the recess. At the centerline, this widens to about 3-4". You'll want to define a similar profile on the Panache. All this to say that the top-view of the recess is not only shape to consider. You also need to consider the side-view of deck after the recess has been cut out - make it nice and smooth.

Good luck

Ross

: Did you include a recess on the Panache? I was thinking about that yesterday
: after you sent me the measurement. Did you add 1" to the cockpit
: cutout to make the recess? I guess I'm not sure how to cut it out on the
: Panache.