I think most of us if we were honest would have to admit that we have at some stage had a bright idea that had the potential to create more problems than it solved. I know I have. Fortunately we usually think things through far enough to discard the idea before any real damage is done. :-)

That is not intended to imply that Mike's idea or anyone else's idea falls into that category. I think I can see how it would work very well in some situations. In fact Mike's success with the idea is proof that it works. Sometimes the problem occurs when you try what seems like a slight modification of an idea or when you try to use it in a less than ideal situation or attempt it without the skills or the tools needed to perfect the technique.

Good luck with the build. At the time I built my Night Heron, Nick Schade referred to it as his favorite kayak. I believe that he now names the Petrel as his favorite. I think that if the Petrel had been available at the time, I would have chosen it in preference to the NH. While I found the NH a delight to paddle, I think the Petrel would have been even better for my applications. Unless you have some quite unusual requirements, I expect you will be very pleased with your Petrel. I think it is a great design.