: Hi all, Without doing any research a thought occured while reading Nicks book
: about the cockpit cutout on my expedition single. I intend on making a
: recessed cockpit like the book instructs, However even though I felt
: extremely comfortable in the expedition I paddled at the rendezvous I
: would like maybe another inch of cockpit opening. Yeah I'm 200lb 6'0"
: so it is a little troublesome to get into the cockpit. I want the room so
: I feel more comfortable about a deep water reentry. My question is about
: spray skirt sizing. First off I am a married guy with two young children
: so Budget is the operative word here. I dont want to make one but I would
: like to know if I can find one around $50.00 and how do they size these
: things? sm. med. lg.? Is there a between this dimension and that? Or do
: you have to know the exact dimension and have one made? I know stupid
: questions but hey I'm a rookie kayak builder with less experience
: paddling. I have the phone no. of the local paddling and rolling
: instructor which I plan on using so dont yell at me ok?
: Thanks for any help, Elliott

You'll soon see, as I just have, that it will cost you more to outfit than it did to build the boat. I was checking this out at a shop yesterday myself. I am 6'04" so length of cockpit was important. Found a good selection of spray skirts to fit 18 x 34. There are some available up to 36/38 inches long. I was advised that most people have two skirts, neoprene being very warm in the summer but dry, good in colder conditions. Nylon apparently ok when you don't mind getting a little wet when it's warmer. Nylon are the 35/55 dlrs skirts, neoprene are abt double. I just put up the question of what you wear, wetsuit, whatever, and got a lot of advice but in the end most said that I would eventually own everything, so buy good stuff even if it's used and keep adding piece by piece as when you can. You may want to start considering other stuff too if managing a budget. I quickly came up with around 500 dlrs if I don't build 2 paddles (spare). Check with your instructor about paddle floats and pumps, sponsons, etc., sure you will want additional items. Seats are expensive, too, and foot braces, so look into making as much as you can.