: Question 1: I'm using the CLC kit that includes CNC cutouts for the
: cockpit recess. It looks like the positioning of the recess has
: a compound curvature about the pitch and roll axes discouraging
: assembling and gluing the coaming riser with the recess
: temporarily mounted on a flat board outside the kayak. Is that
: correct or is it the design intention that the recess base
: remain perfectly flat? I can't quite visualize the projection.

The two coaming pieces can (should) be put together then used as the guide to cut out the recess on the boat. There is enough flexibility to make the minor adjustments necessary. I used the stich and glue technique of wiring and tabbing the two pieces so the shape was set properly. It worked perfectly.

: Question 2: I thought I would glue in the vertical riser strips in
: batches (roughly 4 X 16 inside the hole and 4 X 12 over the
: thigh braces) using 2" masking tape on the outer radius
: (except where glued to the recess inside edge) to pull the
: strips tight together when bent to fit in the hole. Does this
: sound feasible or am I missing something?

I don't quite understand what you are saying about the vertiacl strips, but that part of the coaming can be built in any number of ways and is more a function of what you want it to look like than anything else. Tape, staples, hot glue, ... all work to hold the strips in place while the glue dries.