: 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

What about sticking in vertical foam braces like some of the more modern whitewater kayaks have to support the deck?

Just an idea. I've had some boats with really comfy glass seats and have one now with a really bad one, just never got around to cutting the darned thing out.

Bill H.