Hi Bob,
Just read your post - I have some 33" pre-laminated coaming walls in the shop -and can send you one if you think 31" won't cut it for you. It'll save you alot of time and work in trying to make a new one from scratch. Let me know and I'll get one off to you right away.
Joe

: I'm building what will be my first kayak (Redfish - Spring Run) and I am a
: rookie at both building cedar strip boats and kayaking. I've only paddled
: some large cockpit recreational plastic boats. I'm a little concerned
: about cockpit lenght and need some advice. The Spring Run has a 17x31
: cockpit and the kit includes a pre-build coaming wall and strips to make
: the lip. I'm at a point in the build where it's time to cut out the
: cockpit recess to receive the coaming wall.

: I want to be able to sit down in the cockpit with legs out and be able to put
: my feet and legs in and pull the out while seated. I've tried sitting on
: the floor with the coaming wall and mimick getting in and out and can't
: get a good feel for whether or not the length is enough.

: I've sat in a couple of boats in outfitters shops with various size cockpits
: and have the 31 in length and could get in / out but felt it was a bit
: tight.

: So at this point in the build, I need to make a decision. 31 or 33?? If I
: decide 33, I will need to build a larger diameter coaming wall from strips
: and cut longer strips for the lip which is just more time but who is
: counting.

: I would really appreciate you veterans to give me some advice here as I can't
: make up my mind what to do. Will a 31" cockpit lenght allow for a
: 5"11" 160lb old guy to get in / out comfortably or should I
: build it 33? Thanks much.

: Bob Beaullieu