Steve,

Sorry I misread your post and just now realized you were asking about the cutout for the recess, rather than the actual cockpit opening. I didn't do a recessed cockpit on my baidarka, although I toyed with the idea. So although I haven't done it I would agree that your idea to cut perpendecular with the deck surface to give you a bearing surface, and a larger gluing area. That said, after you do a fillet on the joint and cover it with glass, strength will not be an issue.

Good luck!

Ken

: Hello all. Almost done stripping the deck, should be able to finish over this
: weekend. Gonna cut the recess next. The boat is a Guillemot. The question
: is, do I cut the recess with a cut that is vertical (relative to the
: floor), Or at an angle(perpendicular to the deck surface)? I'm leaning
: toward a perpendicular cut. This would give me some bearing surface to
: glue to. Any advice? I'll post some updated pics to my sight probably
: Sunday night..Thanx for all the help..Steve