Thanks. I was willing to give a floating coaming a try. But, I had asked on here (months ago) how that effects picking up the kayak by the coaming, and someone replied, "you don't," so, I gave up on that notion. Now, 2 responses here indicate that was incorrect. Meh, I wish someone had corrected that earlier response.

: I have sewed my coaming on traditional style, no backing ring like
: Tom uses on his vinyl skin designs.

: I pick mine up by the coaming, carry it by the coaming, etc,
: basically with impunity, and most SOF kayakers I know do the
: same.

: You would be amazed how well everything holds together when you
: pull the skin up the inside of the coaming and stitch
: "horizontally."

: Brian