: Hello again,

: In my effort to get My merganser just right im entertaining cutting
: out the half oval knee braces that were part of the coaming
: wood.

: the keyhole shape although very secure is also a PIA getting in and
: esp out of boat. seems like the cockpit would be secure enough
: with out them (most SOF boats I see dont have any) Im looking at
: doing an SOF this winter and wasnt planning on intsalling knee
: braces.

: another issue is that when my legs need some stretching the key
: hole doesnt give me any wiggle room to lift knee up and stretch
: things out and get the circulation going .

: if I decided to have similar bracing in the future I can always
: epoxy in another set or fabricate foam ones? im thinking if I
: remove them ,life on the water would be more comfortable.

: your thoughts please.

: "John"

If your knees fit snugly under the deck without them, you might cut them off. The Merganser responds beautifully to carved turns, though, which require lifting with your knees. I left them off mine, but am considering adding them back. You might also simply make them smaller. -Wes