Absolutely; the more deck and/or coaming you add, the more ability to carve and edge turns, and shed waves. You may want to start thinking about a couple thwarts to stiffen up the hull. I would also recommend hip plates or hanging knees in the seat area to brace the coaming/side deck, since the paddler may well apply his/her weight there getting in and out of the boat. You can save a lot of weight by skipping the full deck, so I would want to build nice 'n' light to take full advantage of it.

There, I've done my part -- now, how about that URL to Caldeira's presentation? :-)

: Kurt / Bill,

: Thanks for the feedback

: Any additional thoughts on the topic??