: Are you sure about that cockpit opening size? You want a standard (ocean or
: regular) so you can get a spray skirt. What is the width of the kayak? You
: want the cockpit to be as wide as the boat. Look at those posted pics of
: Rob's boats. If or when you ever learn to roll, having a lot of distance
: from the cockpit to the shear will make it hard to roll (or lean). If
: you're on your side, you will be pressing on the coaming lip causing the
: boat to topple over on you.

Looking at your photo again I would agree with Jay. It looks very small. It is fairly obvious that you are going to build more boats. At some point you may want to sell this one, if only to make room for others. A very tiny opening is going to put a radical limit on your potential market.

Also consider the safety aspect. You do actually want to be able to exit in a crisis. Also you may be entering from piers or rocks in deep water. If it is too akward you may find yourself entertaining the spectators more than you want.

Now is the time (before you add the coaming) to take the boat to the water (not a beach - a deep launch) and test it, without a paddle for bracing, (ie. just sit on the rear deck unsupported with your feet inside, your hands on the side decks with your thumbs in the hole, and slide in. You will soon know if it is going to work. if you have to twist and wriggle you are going to end up being annoyed over time).

Et