I have Size 12 flippers and paddle an Outer Island that's been modified to have 1/2" more foot room. I paddle with neoprene booties or aqua-socks, not regular shoes or sandals. I have enough foot room in my low-volume O.I. -- I may not have even needed to have added that extra 1/2" to the deck. I've even paddled a CLC North Bay, which is even lower-volume and has only a 20" beam, and although I didn't really pay attention to foot room at the time, it do remember that there was no problem or discomfort. I do prefer a snug kayak, though -- maybe more than most people.

My recommendation would be that if you let someone borrow your kayak, just let them know that if they have big feet they may not be able to wear regular shoes and might have to go barefoot. I wouldn't make the kayak too large for you for the sake of your friends.

Dean

: Greetings all, progress on the Walrus is going well. This week I will be
: installing the gunwales which is why Im posting.

: I need to know if any body has opinions on the locations for the gunwales
: given as standard in Putz's book. Im 5'9" tall and wear a 9.5"
: shoe. I expect they are fine for somebody like me but what about the
: people who invariably will borrow the boat who wear a size 11? Im thinking
: perhaps I should raise the height slightly but am not sure. Its more
: complicated also as I plan to make the cockpit of the keyhole type. I also
: would like to use the boat for camping occasionally. I know that the
: gunwale height is not the end of the story since the deck beams can be
: made higher or lower as well.

: So if anybody has any good insight as to how the standard gunwale height
: works out in practice please let me know.

: Thanks in advance. Im really enjoying this project even working outside in
: the 107 degree weather it is great. Ive had no major mishaps yet and am
: learning so much. The first few joints I did were probably more epoxy than
: wood but Im getting the hang of it now.

: Kirk