Hi,
I am currently working on my second strip kayak, a Cape Ann Expedition. I built a Spring Run last winter. I think I have a kayak building addiction.

I am almost done stripping the deck and am beginning to consider design on the cockpit area. Instead of doing Vaclav's method of carbon/glass cockpit rim layup I think that I am going to use the same method I used on the Spring Run of bent lamination of ash and walnut. http://web.centre/edu/dearaujo/kayak for picture of Spring Run. On the Spring Run I used Vaclav's method for flush hatch covers with a channel for foam . It worked very well, and I intend to use it for hatches on this boat as well .But I like the look of wood for the cockpit rim.

My question is this. What are the advantages or disadvantages to doing a recessed cockpit like the spring run around the cockpit opening on the expedition? I would probably use a contrasting (walnut) wood in the recess like I did on the Spring Run. It seems to accentuate the cockpit a little.But I am not sure how this would look with the line of the Cape Ann Expedition.

Thanks in advance for the help. This bulletin board is great!! I learn something new every day.

Mark de Araujo