Chip,
That boat of yours was a blast to paddle and a real head-turner. Thanks for the opportunity. I was amazed by both it's speed and it's extreme tracking (or is that lack of maneuverablitiy ).

Normand,
I think Chip's correct in saying that you should be able to apply this open cockpit to most double kayak designs out there. However, you may need to beef-up the sheerclamps (S&G) and it wouldn't be a bad idea to install several deckbeams to keep the hull from spreading. In fact, I would consider building as much of the deck as possible, only leaving the seating area open. This should add considerable amount of strength to hold the thing together. Open cockpit like this means that you will get wet while paddling and floatation becomes alittle more difficult. But it does leave you with more seating options.

I recently changed my mind in building a single SOF Baidarka and tried several seating arrangments as a double and decided that this boat will work great as a double or as a single. With no children in the front cockpit, I only had to move forward about 4 inches to keep the boat floating level. This boat is still unfinished, but will more than likely have a large open cockpit.
Scott

PS- Look closely at the picture, as my son is doing those little circles around his ear that he does when I say or do something he doesn't necessarily agree with or finds unusual. Must be some kind of compliment, I guess.