: I guess technically it's not an ama since it has virtually no
: buoyancy but that's a quibble . . .

: As far as worrying about the DB slot position is concerned, there
: is no reason why you can't make the rig and DB, hang the DB
: temporarily over the side as a leeboard and sail her until you
: get the fore-aft position right, then install the trunk.

: Personally I think folk worry far too much about symmetry in boats,
: I'd worry more about structural strength if the boat is not
: designed to sail. If 'twer me I'd cut the slot one side of the
: keel and put the trunk a bit off center. On a flat bottomed boat
: -which this obviously isn't - I think it makes sense to tuck the
: trunk against a side bench to get more center aisle space.

The Coot's bottom is nearly flat. Check it out at http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/guillemot/kayak/other/coot
Putting the CB against the longitudinal seat support instead of in the middle is an idea that I hadn't thought of and would also allow me to install it as a retrofit after completing it for oars only.
Again, thanks.
Harry
There is nothing--absolutely nothing--half so much worth doing
as simply messing about in boats. K. Grahame