: 250 hours has brought me to a finish on stripping hull/deck. The
: Night Heron calls for a 16 x 33 opening for cockpit. I'm in
: Kansas...kayak will be on ponds and calm lakes. Have seen a lot
: of specs that show many other kayaks with 19" width opening
: for cockpit. Figure there is a reason why this particular (
: Night Heron from clc) is only 16"...but..hoping it is is
: because people tend to take it out onto the ocean??!? Cut out a
: hole ON CARDBOARD for 16 x 33...uh...this ol coot found that
: 16" width a tight squeeze. DOES ANYONE KNOW A REASON WHY I
: CAN'T GO TO 17 OR 18" ON WIDTH?? Once I start
: cutting...well....hate to find that this design doesn't like a
: bigger opening. while we are at it...anyone have a good
: suggestion for purchasing a Nice Seat in the 50-75 dollar range?

It's your boat, you can make the cockpit any size you like. Easier to get a seal on a skirt if it's smaller but I agree that as I get older, bigger is easier :)

I like minicell seats, not real cushiony (not a word but gets the meaning across) but if it's shaped to fit you it's quite comfy when you get used to it and they are fairly cheap. Dragon skin works great for carving it, an angle grinder is faster for carving it if you have one. Do it outside though, minicell dust gets everywhere.

Bill H.