John,
Thanks for the response. I guess once the cockpit hole is cut the deck is easier to flex with the coaming layers. I'd love to see your kayak if you have any pics available. I was thinking earlier if I have to do a new coaming anyway that I might try a different shape. I am assuming the keyhole is better because of the thigh bracing? (beginner here)

I really want to do the best thing on the cockpit and if it means extra time then so be it. I intend to roll this thing. How were you planning on doing your recess? Just as Shawn is doing his? I'll take some pictures of what I do with mine.

Thanks,

Tony

: Tony,

: I put a keyhole cockpit in my Cunningham S&G and made the combing using the
: stacked plywood method. I cut all the sections for the combing, and with
: them aligned I drilled alignment holes at several locations around the
: perimeter for small finishing nails to be inserted to keep them aligned
: when assembling. I then epoxied the whole stack together on the boat. This
: way the stacked plywood sections and the deck sections of the boat all
: came together in a nice even curve around the combing as it conformed to
: the profile of the deck sections.

: And, like Shawn said, as a winter project I am planning on recessing the
: cockpit. Even an extra inch lower on the aft edge of the cockpit would
: really help those layback rolls. I understand your impatience on finishing
: the project, but, for what it is worth, I think in the long run that you
: would appreciated having the recessed cockpit.

: -John D.