I have re-entered my low volume skin boat several times with a paddle float and twice with two greenland paddles supporting the boat under the deck rigging on opposite sides. If you do not significantly dewater the boat before you attempt to get back in you are asking for real trouble. My cockpit coaming is very small, about 15 x 19 inches, and I have to wriggle in and out of it. I only have one inch of freeboard at the cockpit gunwale when I'm in the boat. I have three bags in the boat, and I extended the air hoses so that I can inflate them after they are in position. I agree fully with Jay: If I'm going offshore, the level of risk is significantly greater in this boat. Even with a sea sock I would still get as much water out as I could. This is exactly why the Inuit roll well, You do or die.

Pete Strand