In case it's still early enough to change your mind: I am a first time builder with no previous woodworking experience and I did the recessed cockpit. It was easier stripping than the rest of the boat and didn't take very long. It's probably the most fair section on the boat, and putting the lip on after was simple. Since I've never used the standard cockpit I really can't compare, but there were many worse jobs than the recessed cockpit.
James

: Well, I sat inside my kayak for the first time this evening. It was very
: exciting. I thought about attempting my first roll but I figured grass
: between my teeth would not be pleasant! Many thanks to John Doornink for
: taking a few measurements from his Cunningham designed kayak to provide a
: first time builder with a little confirmation prior to cutting into the
: deck. I did not think it would be a big deal but it was a little unnerving
: at first. Measured twice, cut once...OK so I measured six times then cut.

: I used the SK '94 article cockpit pattern and it fits me like a glove. I have
: no sit in kayaking experience to draw from but it almost seems too tight.
: I can turn my hands with my palms into my body and they will barely slip
: between me and the hole. I still have to build the coaming riser and I
: think that 1" to 1 1/2" more of cutout on each side should take
: care of that and give me a little extra room. Any thoughts from you
: experienced people out there? I personally would like a little more room
: but that's probably because I'm green?

: Also I have decided not to do the recessed coaming. Thanks for everyone who
: encouraged that route and gave me advice on how to proceed. I hate to not
: put the advice to use but I am really not comfortable with the process for
: my first attempt. The strip method of building the coaming riser will be
: my route and I'll use bent ash for the lip. I measured and the deck to
: keel dimension at the back of my cockpit is 8 1/2". The riser and lip
: should at another 1" I believe. Once I put my seat in maybe that
: won't seem so bad. At any rate I'll deal with it on this boat and maybe
: I'll have the chance to try it on another project should I progress to
: that point. For now let's get this one to the water!

: Also, for anyone interested there is a show on the do it yourself network
: (digital cable US) that is going to feature a kayak building segment on
: it's 7 PM EST show on 9/22. It appears to be a father/son project... maybe
: it's someone who visits this forum?

: --Tony