Clayton, thanks! I've already got my seat, it's a pre-carved minicell bucket (just the seat, no backrest or hip pads) from Joe Greenley, of Redfish Kayaks. I carved all my previous ones myself, but always wanted to try one of Joe's "store-bought" ones so I did. It may be a little large for me, but we'll soon see.

As for back bands, there just wasn't enough room in my original OI for one to work worth a hoot, so I took it out -- and liked it so much I removed all the back rests from all my other kayaks as well, and have been paddling happily without them since summer '05. It is my experience that back bands launch a vicious circle of lower back discomfort, and that good posture and a deep bucket seat creates true comfort. But that's just me. I do notice, however, that most Texas Water Safari boats seen at the finish line after four days of non-stop paddling have no backrests...........

I forego "cheek plates" and hip pads in my boats, as the deep bucket keeps me planted in all directions. Now I'm even eschewing under-deck thigh/knee padding in favor of nicely faired and smoothly finished surfaces. I'm a decided minimalist when it comes to outfitting, in part because I want my rolling etc. abilities to be instantly transferable to any and all boats I may hop into and paddle away from shore in.

: Kurt,
: The OI looks fantastic. The coaming and rear deck recess turned out
: great. That puts the rear coaming very low. What are you
: thinking for a seat and back rest setup ?
: Clayton