. In a kayak, the floatation in the
: ends will keep the gunwales above the water, so floatation there does
: little or no good (unless you can make it lighter than air.

You are right Brian. If the floatation in the ends of the kayak make it ride too high in the water the side floatation will mostly be high and dry and not work. That's a good point I hadn't thought of. So, less floation in the ends would make the kayak sink lower and bring more of the side floatation into contact with the water and better allowing for a side rescue entry. That's a scary thought, less floatation makes for better rescue. Your thought changes the way I will build the floatation now. I will shape large end floations to press fit but not fiberglass seal it in yet and try it out in the water. If the kayak floats too high I will take the foam out and cut it down in size so the boat sinks lower in the water when flooded to get the side floatation in the water. But, even if the kayak is riding high while flooded and you craw into the cockpit from the side, the kayak tips and more compartment floation would seem to take place. This is going to be interesting and fun for me. My pond is only 300' from the house so I can fit and try very easily. I can build Ken Sutherland's kayak yoke to practice portaging to and from the house.

Take care,
John