I went to cut out the cockpit, but I noticed that the recessed part seemed awfully big for the new sized cockpit opening. I checked all my patterns and found oput that when I was cutting the opening for the recessed part I cut it a little bigger than the plans showed, because I wanted it bigger than the cockpit I got in the kit. It turns out that the cockpit I had was smaller than the plans showed it to be, so the bigger cockpit recess was bigger than I needed even for my new bigger cockpit. I cut out the opeing that was as small as I would want it and tested the kayak on the ground with the deck just resting on the hull. It isn't too bad, though the recess is about 5 inches wide in the back. Everything else looks and feels good. I think I'll keep it the way it is right now.

Just though I should update everyone on my troubles.

BTW, the back of the opening is about half an inch aft of the opeing of the plans, but the front is about half an inch forward. I think that should keep the kayak well balanced.