I used the forward bulkhead for foot braces in a couple boats, then discontinued the practice and went back to the adjustable variety because I like to be able to have others try my boats occasionally, and also so I can stow a small cooler in the cockpit ahead of my feet. But yes, it certainly works. My beloved Squeedunk Cormorant is outfitted that way, complete with minicell foot pads, and I still love paddling it.

Almost all excess weight comes from excess epoxy. If you want a lightweight boat, pretend epoxy costs $10,000 a gallon. I get ~35 lb kayaks and canoes by keeping fillets very small, using 4 oz s-glass and 3.25 satin weave e-glass, doubling up where I believe necessary, so far nary a failure. OI V.2.0 will be my eleventh boat; that's ten kayaks and one canoe. I can't remember the last time I used 6 oz cloth.

: I'm contemplating leaving the Yakimas out and using a closed
: foam forward bulkhead, and bracing against that, instead. Saves
: several pounds (if it works).