You can custom build a storage compartment using wood scraps. The one in the image below was designed to fit a 35 mm SLR camera including a large lens attachment plus a couple of powerbars. If you have extra space between the hip plates and the side panel of the kayak, one water bottle per side will fit and be within easy reach. Something to think about. Took me only a couple of hours to build the unit that I glued (thickened epoxy) to the underside of the deck of the VJ (my Waters Dancing Lightning 17). If you opt to go this route, make sure that the opening is angled so that sharp edges do not dig into your legs as you get in or, in my case, bail. Although the storage compartment that I built does rub on my legs during entry, I have learned that when I need to do a hasty exit, I have never noticed that the compartment interfered in any way. Panic has its advantages. Those wing nuts you see allow me to attach the lid which was lined with foam to create a watertight seal (for the camera).

Robert N Pruden