David,

First, I recommend using a non-Putz/Skene cockpit, the shape is awful , if you want to use a sprayskirt with it. It is also harder to install knee braces in it. I like keyhole cockpits, I modelled mine after the CLC West River 180 is Sea Kayaker.

I'm currently using my old Thermarest from my Pygmy, with a Pygmy style backband in my third skene based kayak. My first had a flatbacked coaming that I padded with shaped minicell. The standard wood floor is adequately comfortable for an hour or so, but requires some thigh support for extended use. Keep the seat thin, because of the raised floor. I may switch from Thermarest to minicell eventually.

The first and third use a deckbeam style footbrace, this is just okay. My second has a Schade style footbrace that is VERY comfortable, but it is much heavier than just using one of the deckbeams.

For hipbraces on my second one, I used plywood from the coaming to the floor. My second one has three scraps from the stringers edge glued together, going from the coaming to the chine, but this is in a 20" wide kayak. I attach the Pygmy style backband to the hip braces.

I have no padding on the thigh braces in my third one, and it doesn't seem to be a problem. I do need to beef up the deckbeam/footbrace to make it a little more comfortable.

I also lowered the floor on my third one.

Mike

: I'm planning on building a Skene-style kayak using George Putz's book.
: Nowhere does that book mention amenities like a seat comfortable enough to
: sit in for hours of paddling, or footrests and thigh braces. Any advice on
: installing such accesories?