: Hi all,
: I'm at the stage in my build to add flotation to my Gentry
: Chuckanut 12. My question is this: should my flotation be from
: the stem to the first frame or should I go all the way to the
: second frame, which forms the front of the cockpit? I assume I
: would repeat this in the rear.

Hi - Sorry about not replying earlier.
On most non-traditionally built SOF kayaks, I like to permanently fill the spaces between the stems and the first and final frames with foam floatation. Due to the small size of the frames there, these areas at the ends are usually completely inaccessible once the boat is skinned. Adding foam there is a useful insurance policy, and one that you can totally forget about once your boat is finished. Foam in these end compartments, however, provides just very minimal floatation, and in no way should be considered a replacement for air bags in Greenland kayaks.
In a Chuckanut, the frames here are larger, though, and they are closer to the cockpit, so these compartments are generally more user friendly. Airbags will be able to fit, and like the good folks here say, filling up as much space as possible with air, rather than with water, is a good thing.

I'm a bit distracted right now, but feel free to PM me directly if you have any questions.

Happy holidays, all.

Dave Gentry