Wes,
The King is a good cargo carrier right from the plans. The only modifications I made was the aforementioned enlargement of the front hatch. Most stock front hatches are too small for expedition loading; many items will not fit through them and this limits my options for load balance, etc. I opted for the "rollers recess" that Joe has on the plans as I like a lower cockpit and seat backrest. If you went with the deeper (stock as on the plans)cockpit it looks like you might gain a small bit of capacity but I never felt short changed. Complaints? None. The kayak handles well and is as stable as a table.
See you on the water, Dave