: 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"

How thigh braces work seems to me to have much to do with the overall cockpit shape. Some cockpits the braces are completely out of the way and you never notice them until you're locked into them, with others they are always in the way. Much I think has to do with how wide the cockpit is on the front part. Those with skinny pointed foreward ends have problems finding enough room for everything.

Not sure what shape yours is?

Btw, I really like secure thigh braces, gives one much more control over the boat, but it's entirely up to you :)

Bill H.