Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I've decided to leave it as is, but I'm going to make some removable usuuappuu for surfing/close quarters or if I use this boat in the pool. Usuuappuu were originally held on with a bone pin so they'd pop off if a line got tangled on it, so in a way I'm being traditional...

I'll post photos of the solution along with the photos of the finished boat. I'm glad it doesn't freeze until December...

m