I'm putting in my recess cockpit now an like the look of building knee braces right into the recess. The thing is I really don't know exactly where to put them and if I really do need them afterall. I understand their use in giving you extra purchase in the boat to aid in stability, rolling etc.

I know it's a matter of personal preference, however I'm a newbie to this sport and have little experience to fall on. I doubt if I'll be rolling this boat anytime soon, if ever. My boat is the Great Auk and I have cut out the Guillemot cockit modified to 31" long by 16.5" wide. To get some sort of simulation of what the braces will be like, I've sat on my cockpit template and also measured the height from the cockpit floor to the recess height at about 8". In the sitting position with my knees fully extended, I've determined that my knee caps would be 3" or less from the bottom of the knee braces. At my knees, the cockpit total width is about 10 to 11 inches. Is this about normal? I guess a tight fit is what you want for the best control?

My height is 72" and 155lb, from what looks most comfortable to me, the knee braces need to be mounted as far forward as possible. I do realize they will make getting in and out slightly more difficult. If I decide in the end to not add the braces, it seems a piece of foam just under the coaming would be just as effective. Thanks for any ideas.