: I got poor votes for my
: "clean deck". It looks great to wood boat guys, but got poor
: marks from the 'serious kayakers'). I'll be adding some sturdy decklines
: this winter....

I agree that a complete set of deck lines surrounding the perimeter of the kayak is fairly basic safety equipment. A varnished boat is slipperier than a greased pig and almost impossible to hold onto. But, when you've found some really nice wood it seems a shame to clutter it up with all sorts of ropes. I've been in situations where my deck-line free kayak has proved a significant liability.

If you intend to use your kayak a lot, consider messing up the beauty of the wood with at least a perimeter grab line. If you can't bring yourself to add deck lines, be aware of the potential risks and try to plan accordingly - be more careful about the conditions you venture out in, learn a bombproof roll and if you do have to exit the boat - don't let go of the cockpit coaming. Also have alternative methods of helping someone else such as a tow line.