: The cockpit length is also the distance between station 2 and station 3 as
: the coaming plays a structural role joining the fore deckridge to the aft
: deckridge, so that the coaming ends fit to the top of station 2 and
: station 3 (yak has four stations only).
: In other word, about what distance (how much extra room) would you add to the
: distance from my knees to the small of my back?
: Incidentally, I was amazed to read the measurement of the coaming length of
: one of the single Folbots: 1.50 meters !

: Eric

As you have mentioned, the distance between cross sections 2 and 3
is the determing spacing factor, not the coaming
length itself. This assumes that the cross sections are
continuous, feathercraft style, and not open at the top
like a Folbot or Klepper.

Feathercraft cross sections at the coaming front and back
are spaced about 28" apart with a coaming opening of
30.5 X 15. (Kahuna)

I like to space the cross section even further apart for easier entry/exit.
FAP-15 cross sections 2 and 3 are spaced 31 inches apart with a
coaming opening of approx 32.5 X 16 to allow easy connection to the cross sections.
The coaming outside dimensions are approx. 35.5 X 19,
but that will vary according to materials/methods used.

The cross section 3 to coaming connection will provide excellent support
when entering or exiting the kayak as the cross section, not the coaming,
will absorb the stress.

Another factor is the availability of spray skirts, sea socks, and
travel covers to fit the coaming. The sizes I mention above will
work with most standard size sea kayak spray skirts, etc. If you're
buying at a local kayak shop, take the coaming along for a fitting.

You'll have more than enough room for a wet exit. You can certainly
make the opening smaller, but I wouldn't go much larger.

The large Folbot/ Klepper cockpit opening is due to the use of washboards
in lieu of a coaming.

Tom