Hi Larry and Chris,

My apologies for the delayed response. I agree with you two about the joys of the older kayaks. On the average the current kayaks have been detuned alot to appeal to the masses. Thick, heavy, huge cockpits, shorter, not to mention the sit ons, etc. There is just something that feels good about hitting your line carving out of an eddy in the lighter more responsive kayaks.

On the topic of walls and strengthening the craft, you could make a 3" thick minicell bulkhead to snap in the the rear or make some thicker curved cheek plates. With the walls, it is good to put some small tabs on each side, top and bottom so the wall can not yield easily to any force that comes from other than straight down.

Now that I have said that, I have attach a photo of my Illusion that I pulled the cheek plates out and had some carbonfiber twill wrapped on the hull from side to side to the coaming. Not as strong as plates, but that is a choice I made for myself. You can also see my preferred alternative to backbands. I am of the philosophy that the water can twist and bend any kayak so the real game is to know the limits of the craft and play within the limits.

Thanks for the feedback and glad there was some value in the comments for you.

Best,

Reg

: Wow!!
: I am really glad you have all responded to this thread. I am probably not the
: only one restoring one of these old timers and safety is a prime
: consideration. You all have me wondering what I should do.
: The glass I added to the hull has stiffened it. If I do remove the seat, I
: can add another layer(s) of glass and (and carbon if needed) in the hull
: cockpit area. I can also install a stern only fiberglass bulkhead with
: hatch. My bulkhead won't weigh more than float bags as I have proved on
: other boats.
: The main reason I want to remove the seat is it's too narrow and short for my
: butt. In the seat removal, I would like to remove the cheeks most of the
: way up to the coaming, leaving only enough for backband attachment. I will
: do what ever extra reinforcement necessary to make a safe boat.

: Suggestions are greatly appreciated.

: Thanks,

: Larry C.