Bill,

Yes, most of the strength would come from the rear bulkhead if they had them, but the Cascade and the Isere which they have, don't have bulkheads.

The kayak can and does collapse easily at the cockpit, especially the older river kayaks like they are talking about. Having lost a few friends in pinning accidents, I feel an obligation to nit pick.

Thin foam under the seat is common to eliminate contact abrasion. The cheek plates are best attached to the hull with about a 1/2 to 1" radius to eliminate concentrated stress.

Best,

Reg

: True enough, it is part of the coaming mold

: Most seats though have foam blocks under them from the seat to the hull,
: provides a little support to the coaming sides, but most of the strength
: for compression comes from the back bulkhead.

: If you do think the strength is compromised it's not hard to glass the sides
: of the seat you leave (now cheak plates) into the bottom of the boat to
: add compression strength to the coaming sides.

: No problem nit picking, I seem to be good at that too .

: Bill H.