Lee, Ronnie, Terry, and Rob,

Thanks for the responses.
Lee, I am building a Shearwater Baidarka and I will have some room for storage behind the hip plates, I also plan on installing a knee tube. I think that I will keep the space behind the seat to a minimum and see where/how the pelican case fits. I always have my waterproof camera in my PFD anyway so if it takes me a while to get to the SLR camera it not a real big deal.

Ronnie, if you like I will send you some genuine Canadian ice for your iced tea. You will have to pay the freight and I cannot guarantee what condition your gift will be in by the time it arrives, but, hey it's the thought that counts, right?

Terry, thanks for the tip "if it's behind the seat it usually doesn't get used till you get out of the kayak" that simplifies things.

Rob, ice out is usually early in May, but this spring has been unusually cool. Temps of -10 celcius over the weekend and -5 last night so it (ice out) will be later than usual this year. What happened to this global warming gig? I say bring it on I promise you won't have ice problem for your trip in July 2003, other than a lack of it to keep your stuff cool. The offer still stands, I'll have the BBQ ready and a couple of cold beers ready for you when you pass this way on your trip.

Thanks again for the replys!

Ken

The ice on the lakes here in Manitoba is "only" about 3 feet thick
: now so the push is on. I have been putting off installing my rear bulkhead
: due to some indecision as to its placement. I realize that the further
: back from the edge of the cockpit combing I place the bulkhead the more
: cockpit area I have, to fill with water and subsequently pump out in the
: event of a wet exit. But, I would like some storage area back there. The
: Ches 17 LT that my paddling partner is building has the bulkhead right at
: the rear of the cockpit. I would like to move it back a little on my boat
: so I have room for a pelican case with my SLR camera, a paddle float,
: maybe a wind breaker. I'm thinking maybe 4" to 6" behind the
: back of the cockpit.

: What do you people store behind your seats or wish that you could store
: behind your seat. How much room is enough/too much?

: Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

: Thanks,

: Ken