I was planning on a
: 3" wide 3/4" thick aft deckbeam right behind the cockpit and put
: the rear bulkhead underneath it for bracing. That should handle the weight
: of sitting on the back deck for entry and spread out the load somewhat.

Pardon the interuption guys, but I was reading all this and something that I had wondered about for my Merganzer I'm planning came to mind. I haven't really looked over the plans real close to see what Eric uses, but I was thinking of adding a second layer of the deck ply under the rear deck area just aft of the cockpit and in the sitting/bracing area you were mentioning. With a second layer of ply sandwiching some thickened epoxy, the weight would seem to be less, and a smaller rear deck beam would be obtainable, with possibly better rear deck strength to boot. A couple of false deckbeams would work inside the bend to clamp it in sandwich style 'til it sets up.

I'm thinking of doing it hybrid style, but the little added plywood sandwiched in the back would be feasable there as well.

What do you think?

Rehd